Title,Contract Number,Agency,Branch,Program,Year,Phase,Award Amount,SBC,Street,Street 2,City,State,ZIP,Woman-Owned?,Minority-Owned?,HUBZone-Owned?,Contact Name,Contact Title,Contact Phone,Contact Email,Principal Investigator,PI Title,PI Phone,PI Email,Abstract
Instrumentation and Conrol Design for Small Modular Reactors,DE-SC0011859,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149976.83,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Edwin Riggsbee,Mr.,,edwin@ams-corp.com,"Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) of light water designs are moving toward deployment and advanced SMRs are on their way to becoming a reality. Although the fundamental design characteristics of these reactors are well established, a list of important issues still remains. Among them is the Instrumentation and Control (I & amp;C) sensors for measurement of the variables needed for process control and protection of plant safety. While the current generation of I & amp;C sensors is successfully used at every operating nuclear power plant, the fundamental design differences between SMRs and traditional power reactors may not allow for identical I & amp;C sensors; especially for advanced SMRs. Given a proposed timetable of less than ten years before completion of the first light water SMR in the United States, there is an imminent need for research into the application of currently available I & amp;C sensors, development of new sensors, and investigation of the potential of the advanced and novel sensing technologies for SMRs. This research will be conducted under this project. The goal of this project is to produce process sensors based on existing, emerging, or new technologies to meet the needs of both light water and advanced SMRs. The focus will be on design of sensors which can satisfy the following fundamental characteristics: 1) small enough to fit the compact geometry of SMRs, 2) able to measure two or more variables in the same assembly, 3) stable enough to need no frequent calibrations, 4) have adequate response time, and 5) tolerate the operating environments of SMRs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The results of this project will benefit the nuclear industry and the general public in several ways. The resolution of technological problems regarding I & amp;C sensors for SMRs will enhance their potential for future deployment, adding a safe, clean, flexible, and affordable energy source to the electric grid. Also, an effective I & amp;C sensor design for SMRs would promote safe operation of the reactors, which will be an advantage to the protection of public safety. In addition to SMRs, the sensor designs which will result from this project can help the existing generation of reactors."
Strategy for Implementation of Fixed and Mobile Wireless Technologies in Crowded and Confined EMI Environments of Nuclear Power Plants,DE-SC0011856,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149976.83,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Chad Kiger,Mr.,,chad@ams-corp.com,"Wireless technologies have increased efficiency in many industrial settings across the world by enabling a mobile workforce and improving communications. In fact, some studies project that wireless implementation could save nuclear facilities up to $6,000,000 per year in the maintenance department alone. Unfortunately, the nuclear power industry has been slow to adopt wireless technology as a result of safety, security, and reliability concerns expressed by regulators and others. This project sets out to address two significant technical concerns that still remain: 1) wireless electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) which refers to the ability of plant equipment to withstand wireless transmission, and 2) wireless coexistence which refers to the ability of different wireless devices to operate in the presence of one another. For wireless EMC, most equipment in nuclear power plants has never been tested for vulnerability to wireless transmission. As such, the impact of modern wireless devices to nuclear safety and plant reliability is not understood. In the case of wireless coexistence, there is currently no standard test method available to verify that various wireless devices such as sensors, cellphones, and laptop computers will function reliably when operating in close proximity to each other. The proposed work will provide new test methods and objective guidance for the nuclear industry in the two areas mentioned above and will develop a cognitive radio system for in-plant EMC and coexistence testing. The goal of this project will be accomplished through hands-on laboratory work at AMS state-of-the-art EMC facility. The work will include: 1) Identify vulnerabilities of nuclear plant equipment to wireless signals and determine mitigation strategies, 2) Evaluate signal characteristics of wireless devices through laboratory measurements, especially those that could cause susceptibility among plant equipment, and 3) Develop innovative methods to test for wireless EMC and coexistence in connection with the use of wireless technology in nuclear power plants. The knowledge acquired from these tasks will provide input to the design of a test system capable of generating and receiving signals from multiple wireless protocols to be developed in a Phase II for immunity and coexistence testing. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The design of the cognitive radio system and associated test methods for wireless EMC and coexistence will allow for the seamless use of wireless technology in nuclear power plants while greatly reducing the risks they may introduce. This will ultimately extend to the general public in the form of safer nuclear power plants and lower cost of electricity."
Development of an In-Situ Method for Cable Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-SC0009569,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,999476.44,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Casey Sexton,Mr.,8656911756,casey@ams-corp.com,"As nuclear power plants extend their operating life beyond 40 years, attention is being focused on the health of the insulation material of important cables. Faced with the prospect of an extremely expensive, wholesale replacement of thousands of miles of cables, nuclear facilities need a cost-effective, non-destructive, remote, and in-situ method to determine whether or not cables are healthy or should be replaced. While other products exist to identify conductor faults, there is no method available to assess the health and the remaining useful life (RUL) of the insulation material of installed cables. To address this problem, Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR), an in-situ non-destructive test, will be performed on cables typically used in the nuclear industry. These cables will undergo accelerated aging to simulate the natural aging process that occurs in a nuclear power plant. As they age, FDR measurements will be compared with a standard laboratory test known as elongation at break (EAB) to correlate the results and provide estimations of a cables health and RUL. During Phase I, a subset of nuclear power plant cables were thermally aged over the entire duration of the project. During this aging process, FDR measurements were compared to EAB results to assess insulation elasticity which is an industry-accepted measure of insulation health. The results demonstrated that FDR could be closely correlated to EAB. In Phase II, AMS will expand the research to include a larger population of cable types commonly found in nuclear power plants. Cable samples will be obtained and subjected to aging conditions while recording and correlating FDR measurements with the cable age. These correlations will be incorporated into a test system for nuclear facilities to assess the health of a cable and determine its RUL. Commercial Applications and OtherBenefits: The FDR correlations with cable health and RUL will be packaged with commercial hardware and custom software to provide a cost-effective solution for implementing a cable aging management program to satisfy regulatory guidelines. This system will identify and locate insulation problems and provide plant operators with a condition-based assessment of installed cable."
Quantitative Methods for Reliability and Fault Tolerance Testing of Digital Instrumentation and Control,DE-SC0010139,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1498794.78,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Greg Morton,Mr.,8656911756,greg@ams-corp.com,"Replacement of obsolete analog systems with software-based digital systems in nuclear facilities has been hindered by significant costs associated with traditional quality assurance testing. This project proposes advanced software validation tools that will ensure that digital systems are safe, reliable, and cost effective for the nuclear industry."
Condition Monitoring of Live Cables in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-SC0010141,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1474841.13,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Dustin Nace,Mr.,8656911756,dustin.nace@emifix.com,"As the current fleet of operating nuclear power plants ages, equipment degrades and causes increased incidences of failures which lead to plant shutdowns. This proposal offers to develop testing technology for fault detection in live electrical circuits to identify and resolve problems as they occur."
Corrosion Protection of High-Value Test&Evaluation Assets,HQ0147-14-C-7907,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,99999.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Deana Scoggins,Controller,(423) 267-6266,dgarrison@eSpintechnologies.com,Jayesh Doshi,PI,(423) 267-6266,jdoshi@eSpintechnologies.com,"This STTR Phase I proposal proposes to design and develop reactive filter media using nanofiber technology to capture corrosion inducing particulate matter present in coastal region air. The fibrous filter media will be functionalized using ion exchange chemistry which is known to react with salt ions. The media will be characterized for its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, and dust holding capacity. The performance will be tailored by fiber diameter, porosity of the media and pore size. The filter media will be used to assemble a prototype filter device and be tested as a system. The filter will remove solid and dissolved salt particulate matter from the air stream and provide cleaner air. The corrosion inducing salt particulate matter will be removed via reactive chemistry on the filter media. The filter will be tested per American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineer""s (ASHRAE) standards to establish its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, and dust loading capacity. Additional parameters such as energy use and air quality will also be determined during the study. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14)"
Advanced Solid Ramjet Fuel,N68936-14-C-0054,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79988.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 455-7330,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Eric Jacob,Engineer III,(931) 455-7330,eric.jacob@gtlcompany.com,"The potential for solid fuel ramjets (SFRJ) has been demonstrated over the last 40 years. SRFJ""s have significantly higher impulse than rockets (Isp>1200 sec) making them a competitive solution for long range applications such as missiles, missile interceptors, high speed transport and space vehicle stages. Increasing the regression rate and the energy density of the fuel further improves the advantages of a ramjet by allowing for increased thrust and Isp. In order to increase the solid fuel regression rate as well as increase propellant energy density in SFRJ""s GTL proposes the construction of a 3D printed hybrid fuel grain. This method uses additive manufacturing processes to build a complex fuel grains with advanced features which increase regression rate and energy density. In addition, metal and inert oxidizer concentrations can be included with in the 3D print allowing for spatially varying properties. Finally, nearly all propulsions systems experience combustion instability in development. GTL""s unique capabilities will be leveraged to improve the stability characteristics of the hybrid fuel grain."
High Rate Segmented Germanium Detector System (HRGe),DE-SC0011324,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Cynthia Lemons,Dr.,8652026253,cynthialemons@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The NNSA Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation missions include monitoring, assaying, and identifying Special Nuclear Materials (SNM). These activities commonly occur in facilities having large quantities of additional nuclear materials causing high background count rates that obscure measurements using ordinary spectroscopic radiation detectors. The segmented HRGe germanium detector system will be experimentally developed for nuclear material measurements in extremely high count-rate environments. An experimental program will evaluate and modify existing detector-system components to increase the count-rate capacity of the HRGe detector system. The electronics and software must be specifically modified to take advantage of the unique properties of a segmented detector. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The capabilities of the new HRGe will be valuable for nuclear-fuel holdup measurements, environmental monitoring, nuclear weapons non-proliferation, treaty verification, nuclear-explosion monitoring, nuclear physics and nuclear medicine."
Modular Planar Germanium Detector Systems for High Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy and Tracking Arrays,DE-SC0009639,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1000000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Cynthia Lemons,Ms.,,cynthialemons@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The Department of Energy maintains germanium gamma-ray detector arrays for Nuclear Physics research. Germanium gamma-ray detector technology has been an important factor in the historic success of these user facilities. The present and next generation facilities would be most effectively utilized by larger germanium detectors providing better spatial resolution and higher count-ray capacity. New Modular Planar Germanium (MPGe) detector system development will provide a new detector basis for arrays at user facilities. Through collaboration with nuclear physicists, prototype MPGe detector systems will be evolved from concept to commercially available instruments. During Phase I, the original MPGe concepts were experimentally demonstrated. These measurements validated improvements in the operating characteristics of existing detector systems that established the feasibility of the new MPGe detectors for higher luminosity physics experiments. The concept was developed into a prototype MPGe design. The prototype MPGe design will used to make the first of a series of prototype MPGe detectors during Phase II. These detectors will be used to further develop algorithms to improve the detector performance. The detectors will be evaluated by nuclear physicists in conditions relevant to nuclear physics experiments. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to immediate impact at DOE user facilities performing nuclear physics experiments, the enabling detector technologies will impact nuclear security and nuclear medicine. Nuclear security and nuclear medicine represent large commercial markets. Nuclear security is the most immediately accessible market. Nuclear medicine is the very largest market, requiring a longer term approach. From growing germanium crystals to constructing final detector systems, the germanium-detector manufacturing process will always require good scientists, engineers, technicians, and association with research scientists at DOE facilities."
Game-Based Deployable Trainer with True 3D and High Acuity Display,FA8650-14-C-6573,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,723870.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,David L. Page,Chief 3D Software Archite,(865) 896-0036,dpage@seetrue3d.com,C. E. (Tommy) Thomas,Chief Technology Officer,(865) 896-0036,thomasce1@seetrue3d.com,"ABSTRACT: With the tremendously successful Phase I effort, Third Dimension Technologies (TDT), in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Rickard Consulting Group and APTUS, plans in Phase II to create, test and evaluate a gaming-based training and rehearsal environment known as the W3DGE (Warfighter 3D Gaming Environment). The Air Force has a need for a lower-cost, more deployable tactical training and rehearsal environment for fifth-generation multi-role fighters. To address this need, TDT proposes the W3DGE as a stand-alone/networked (individual/teams) gaming environment that can travel anywhere and be assembled in hours. W3DGE integrates TDT""s advanced Holographic Angular Slice 3D Display (HAS3D) with Lockheed""s Prepar3D, a game-based professional training and simulation environment. HAS3D reproduces all human visual cuesincluding head motion parallax and vergence-accommodation cuesand will provide W3DGE with true 3D, high acuity visuals. Lockheed""s Prepar3D with it""s new SimDirector tool will allow Air Force training and operations personnel to create scenarios to simulate, train and analyze classified fifth-generation missions and tactics. TDT plans in Phase II to demonstrate and deliver a fully functional hardware and software W3DGE prototype that offers the Air Force a sustainable architecture to enhance fidelity and maintain concurrency as needed. BENEFIT: TDT sees significant commercialization potential for the products resulting from Phase II. TDT""s first planned product will be the W3DGE, a low-cost, high fidelity, game-based, deployable F -35 Lightning II mission training and rehearsal simulator. Potential customers include the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, eight international partner nations and twenty-three other allied countries. TDT has also identified important commercialization potential for TDT""s HAS3D display technology, which will be integrated with W3DGE. In particular, Lockheed Martin has expressed interest in TDT""s display technology for simulator applications (particularly cross-cockpit configurations), and other prospective strategic partners have shown interest in the technology for collaborative environments, oil & gas reservoir management and robotic surgery. TDT has identified future opportunities in geospatial intelligence analysis, diagnostic radiology, medical training, satellite tracking, computer-aided design and command and control applications. Phase II will allow TDT to showcase its 3D display capability and secure funding for development of the W3DGE and 3D display products."
Corrosion Resistant Naval Alloys: Innovative Multi-Scale Computational Modeling and Simulation Tools,N00014-14-C-0125,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,479880.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,James Allen,CEO,(615) 372-0299,jallen@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,Chief Prod. Dev. Officer,(615) 372-0299,adey@vextec.com,"The proposed effort will create software that will serve as an integration tool to link the results of the material degradation research due to corrosion fatigue into a usable structural analysis tool. Fatigue failure due to corrosion is a multi-disciplinary, multi-scale problem that needs to integrate several mechanisms for accurate simulation of the damage state and better prediction of failure risk. The Navy wants to take advantage of all available corrosion knowledge, methods, models and algorithms to fulfill this vision. The overall concept here is to develop a tool set which has a library of different material microstructures, damage models, solving routines to simulate corrosion fatigue failure. In addition, it will allow users to integrate their individual computational damage models or their solving routines in the software tool. The analogy here is that most commercial finite element analysis (FEA) software tools have a library of their own different element types and solver routines for structural analysis, but also allow users to link their own special solving routines and specialized elements."
Improved Design Package for Fracture Mechanics Analysis,FA8650-14-M-2498,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149828.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Animesh Dey,Chief Product Development Officer,(615) 372-0299,adey@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Principal Investigator,(615) 372-0299,rtryon@vextec.com,"ABSTRACT: The damage tolerance approach is used widely in aerospace industry and has a physics-based foundation in fracture mechanics. The fatigue crack growth rate can be determined by calculating the SIF and knowing empirically derived material parameters. Similitude is achieved for different loads, different crack sizes, and different crack shapes. The down side to fracture mechanics is that a crack must be assumed and for most fracture mechanics methods, the crack is assumed to be relatively large compared to the size of the plastic zone and the material microstructure. VEXTEC""s proposed approach will provide the actual size of the flaw and the cycles needed to grow to that size by applying probabilistic, physics-based fatigue crack growth models developed under this program. The damage is modeled as microstructurally small and physically small cracks by capturing the microstructure of the beta annealed titanium material and crack closure effects prior to transition to long crack regime. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of these model to accurately predict small crack growth by comparing with test data. Phase II will result in a fracture mechanics tool for accurate lifing of small cracks. BENEFIT: The benefit of developing a physics-based fracture mechanics methodology for analysis of cracks smaller than the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) regime is the significant reduction in errors and uncertainty in the life predictions which result in unreliable or excessive conservative designs. The methods and tools developed in this SBIR will facilitate the design of more reliable & efficient aerospace structures. These models and software tools upon further development in Phase II will benefit the USAF and OEMs in determining the fatigue life of structures accurately by directly linking to tools used for structural design. In the long run, these tools will also help in estimating maintenance and fleet readiness levels. The US military is, out of necessity, focusing on sustainment of its existing weapon systems, as opposed to procurement of new fleets. One important aspect of improved sustainment is better, higher fidelity models for existing aircrafts. These needs will be met through investment by OEMs and the military in better simulation tools. Assuming VEXTEC captured only a fractional percent of the discussed market potential, it would equate to many millions of dollars in annual revenue to the company. Moreover, VEXTEC foresees this opportunity following in the footsteps of previous successful technology transitions into the aerospace markets."
Advanced Forging Manufacturing Innovations,HQ0147-14-C-8302,DOD,DLA,SBIR,2014,1,99938.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,James Allen,"President, CEO",(615) 372-0299,jallen@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,(615) 372-0299,rtryon@vextec.com,"It is increasingly difficult for companies to enter the spare parts business. To produce a spare part, the manufacturer must recreate the form, fit and function of the original part, which can be especially difficult with high strength forged metal parts. There are processes available to the forging engineer to recreate the geometry and material chemistry of original part; however, getting the part to function safely with the same durability as the original can be extremely difficult. This is because durability is governed by the material microstructure and the material""s microstructure evolves during the manufacturing process creating numerous variations. The traditional method of determining durability is expensive laboratory testing. The Phase I objective is to determine feasibility of a software product that can be used by forging manufacturers, OEM and fleet owners to predict the durability of their forged parts without extensive testing. VEXTEC will work with our OEM partner to identify attributes that are particular to forging that need to be addressed in the software product. Phase I will determine the feasibility of addressing the first order effects such as geometry, residual stress, microstructure and in-service loads. During the Phase I option period, a detail architectural plan will be completed for the software to be developed in Phase II."
Freeze Casting of Tubular Sulfur Tolerant Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells,W911NF-14-P-0029,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149974.00,MillenniTEK LLC,631 Barbrow Lane,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Anna Tilley,CFO,(865) 966-2170,anna.tilley@millennitek.com,Drew Spradling,"Director, Product Development",(865) 966-2170,drew.spradling@millennitek.com,"Solid oxide fuel cells have long suffered from degradation due to impurities in the fuel and complexities associated with dissimilar materials and high operating temperatures. This degradation lowers the usable cell power output and requires ancillary equipment for fuel sulfur removal and reformation. A unique microstructure for the tubular anode will be produced using a novel freeze-casting technique, which will increase the cell triple phase boundary area and result in higher power density. An infiltration of the freeze-cast anode with a newly discovered mixed metal oxide catalyst promises to significantly increase the sulfur and coking tolerance of the anode. In the proposed effort, anode tubes will be produced using varying freeze casting formulations and parameters to optimize the pore morphology and then infiltrated with the novel catalyst material. Single-cell performance tests will be completed, and a conceptual 250W man-portable design will be developed."
Mobile Military CO2 Refrigeration,W911QY-14-P-0222,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,98683.00,"S-RAM Dynamics, LLC",342 Main Street,,Franklin,TN,37064-,No,No,No,Lee Jestings,President,(615) 916-0097,lee@s-ram.com,Lee Jestings,President,(615) 916-0097,lee@s-ram.com,"S-RAM Dynamics (S-RAM) will design, fabricate, test and commercialize a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system using the recently invented S-RAM CO2 oil-less, integrated expander/compressor unit (ECU). This CO2 refrigeration system will be targeted for mobile military cold storage assets and commercial transportation refrigeration units. The refrigeration system will meet the specified space requirements and will exceed the Army coefficient of performance (COP) target. The CO2 refrigeration units will be commercialized within four years and will be manufactured in the United States. S-RAM Dynamics (S-RAM) is particularly qualified for this Phase 1 project, and the timing of this solicitation is perfect. Today, as we write this proposal, the first generation S-RAM oil-less, variable displacement CO2 compressor is being tested on a custom-built CO2 test stand at the Herrick Laboratories at Purdue University. The first compressor efficiency tests have been excellent, exceeding the performance of currently available transcritical CO2 compressors."
Automated Identification and Sorting of Rare Earth Elements in an E-waste Recycling Stream,EP-D-15-011,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2014,2,300000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,"1508 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 102",,Nashville,TN,37210-,No,No,No,Matthias Erdmannsdoerfer,,615-734-6400,matthiase@nrtsorters.com,John T. Rich,,(615) 734-6400,jrich@nrtsorters.com,"Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide. Improper handling of e-waste results in vast amounts of toxic waste being sent to landfill and leaching into the water supply. Due to these concerns, e-waste recycling is a rapidly growing industry. Unfortunately, most current e-waste recycling processes rely on either manual hand sorting or differential density sorting methods. Manual hand sorting is expensive in the United States and has been associated with major environmental damage overseas. Differential density sorting is expensive and is not very effective for sorting rare earth materials.When properly sorted, there are a significant amount of valuable recyclable materials in e-waste. Recycling rates for e-waste currently are low in part because e-waste recyclers charge a fee for recycling in order to make a profit. Legislative action in many states may increase this rate, but the long-term viability of e?waste recycling depends upon economical approaches to recovering these valuable materials. E-waste contains a significant amount of rare earth elements, particularly neodymium and dysprosium, which are valuable and expected to increase in importance in the coming years.
The objective of the proposed Phase II research is to complete development of the technology successfully tested in the Phase I research. NRT has obtained commitments from two e-waste processors who are interested in participating in providing Phase III funding and hosting a Phase II prototype sorting unit.
A significantincrease in the anticipated amount of e-waste has been observed over the last few years and is expected to continue as the time between introduction and obsolescence becomes continually smaller. Because many electronic devices contain rare earth elements separation and recovery of these materials is crucial for the long-term viability of environmentally friendly recycling of e-wastes. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of this Phase II research, the application of the technology will improve the costs of recycling e-wastes, improving the rate at which e-wastes are recycled,and provide a stream of material rich in rare earth elements for mining operations.
The proposing firm is a major manufacturer of recycling equipment for the post-consumer plastics recycling industry and has received considerable interest in the development of a sorting system for sorting rare earth elements in e-waste plastics. Due to this interest, the proposed technology is expected to have a strong market in the e-waste recycling industry."
TOPIC 277 PHASE II; COMPANION DIAG: PREDICTIVE AND PROGNOSTIC TEST ENABLING PERSO,N44CA130087,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2013,2,1499990.00,"INSIGHT GENETICS, INC.",111 10th Ave. South Suite 110,,NASHVILLE,TN,37203-,No,No,No,David Hout,,615-255-8880,DHOUT@INSIGHTGENETICS.COM,David Hout,,615-255-8880,DHOUT@INSIGHTGENETICS.COM,Not Available
Quantitative Methods for Reliability and Fault Tolerance Testing of Digital Instrumentation and Control,DE-FG02-13ER90697,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2013,1,224532.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Greg Morton,Mr.,8656911756,greg@ams-corp.com,"Obsolescence, aging, reliability, and performance issues are driving nuclear facilities to replace conventional analog I & amp;C systems with digital technologies. The increased complexity of digital systems, compared to their analog counterparts, has resulted in faults that are often more difficult to detect, classify, and correct. Experience in the nuclear industry has shown that traditional software quality assurance processes should be improved to be more effective at discovering and rectifying these faults. The goal of this project is to develop a Software Reliability Tester (SRT) that will provide a means to quantify the reliability and fault tolerance of digital I & amp;C systems used in nuclear facilities. The SRT will include capabilities to 1) perform statistical testing on the digital I & amp;C to quantify its reliability before implementation, 2) systematically test and identify faults that were not tested in the design/development phase, and 3) establish warning signals/regions for when the plant instrumentation is outside of the normal range. The proposed SRT will dramatically reduce the validation time for the qualification testing by providing a quantifiable system reliability and fault tolerance assessment. The SRT will provide independent verification of reliability and fault tolerance before a digital system is implemented, and will help eliminate incidents of digital equipment malfunction during all stages of the equipment lifecycle. This is particularly important for vital plant services that affect public safety. This will greatly benefit the nuclear industry and the public by reducing the testing time, installation time, and downtime inherent in digital system upgrades, thus providing more reliable power generation and minimizing electricity costs to the public."
Condition Monitoring of Live Cables in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-13ER90710,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2013,1,224447.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Dustin Nace,Mr.,8656911756,dustin.nace@emifix.com,"No method currently exists for detecting intermittent faults in nuclear power plant cable circuits, which include circuit components, connectors, and end devices. Conventional techniques can locate hard faults, such as open or short circuits, but not the intermittent faults that occur occasionally. Furthermore, conventional testing techniques require circuits to be removed from service, disconnected, and de-energized, fundamentally altering the electrical properties which are being evaluated. These intermittent faults can result in signal spiking of process measurements, invariably leading to false alarms and plant trips which increase costs and reduce power production. Furthermore, these faults have a negative impact on plant safety and reliability. During the proposed Phase I project, AMS will recreate cable circuits in its laboratory facilities and examine coupling methods for signal injection onto energized circuits. Additionally, several established cable diagnostic methods currently used in disconnected cable circuits will be applied to live cables in order to determine effective testing techniques. AMS will investigate appropriate practices to ensure that plant equipment is isolated during the live test through the use of capacitors, buffers, and filters. The results of the laboratory research will be used to determine appropriate testing procedures for on-site testing of nuclear power plants and other industrial facilities in order to detect intermittent faults that cannot be found today. The knowledge gained in Phase I will be put to practice by development of an online monitoring system for detection of intermittent faults in nuclear power plant cables. Successful commercialization of this product will result in improved understanding of electrical degradation and cable conditioning monitoring. This will result in safer, more reliable, and more efficient electricity generation from nuclear power plants. The benefits of this research will extend to other industries, such as commercial aviation, in which fault detection of critical circuits is essential to passenger safety."
Development of an In-Situ Method for Cable Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-13ER90611,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2013,1,149776.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Casey Sexton,Mr.,8656911756,casey@ams-corp.com,"In the U.S., almost all the 104 operating commercial nuclear power plants have applied or plan to apply for license renewal, many of which have recently received approval. This has given rise to questions about the aging of structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that are important to plant safety and longevity. Recently, many national laboratories and agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, have identified the aging of cable insulation materials (i.e. polymers) as an important issue to the safe operation of a plant. Although individual cables can be replaced, a wholesale replacement is cost-prohibitive and not a practical aging management strategy. As a response to this need, plants will begin to implement cable aging management programs to assess the health and performance of cables, especially those used for safety-related applications. However, currently available cable testing techniques are either destructive or focus primarily on the conductor. Of particular interest to the industry is a non-destructive method that offers in-situ testing capabilities to assess the aging condition of cable polymer materials. As such, the goal of this project is to adapt an in-situ electrical testing technique, known as Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR), for this application. The proposed Phase I project, AMS will evaluate the effectiveness of FDR to identify the aging condition of nuclear power plant cables. This will be accomplished through extensive laboratory testing involving thermal aging of polymer materials and a comparison of FDR results and Elongation at Break, the industry standard for health assessment of polymer materials. The result of the Phase I will be a prototype design of an FDR system, including both hardware and software, to be used in a cable aging management program. A Phase II project to be proposed later will develop a commercial FDR system for nuclear power plants. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Successful commercialization of this product will result in improved safety of nuclear power plants through accurate health and aging assessment of cable polymer materials. Applications include insulation degradation detection, hot spot detection, and conductor/connector problems."
Online Monitoring in Small Modular Reactors,DE-FG02-12ER86525,DOE,DOE,STTR,2013,2,999873.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Hashem Hashemian,Dr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are one of the most compelling options for meeting the growing clean energy demands of the U.S. While safer and costing less to build and operate than their conventional counterparts, the unique requirements of SMRs pose significant challenges to the maintenance of their I & amp;C systems, especially due to the likelihood of fewer process sensors. Lacking the sensor redundancy found in conventional nuclear plant I & amp;C systems, SMR operators need to amass a greater understanding of the health of both the sensors and the measured processes than operators of conventional reactors. In conventional nuclear reactors, advanced data analysis through On-Line Monitoring (OLM) has successfully correlated the normal output of existing sensors to the health of the sensors, equipment, and plant processes. The same success can be achieved for SMRs through the research and development effort proposed here. This is a proposal for the adoption of Online Monitoring (OLM) technology for condition based assessment of instrumentation and control (I & amp;C) systems, in-vessel equipment, and other small and large components of SMRs. This technology can help provide a means for incipient failure detection and prediction of remaining useful life of equipment. The project will provide: 1) guidance to SMR vendors as to the provisions in the design of SMRs necessary to facilitate OLM implementation, and 2) an OLM system design including hardware, software, and data analysis algorithms for calibration monitoring, predictive maintenance, and detection of anomalies in SMR equipment and processes. In Phase I, the feasibility of an OLM system for SMRs was established by using existing OLM techniques on iPWR simulator data. This formed the basis for identifying SMR-specific improvements needed for OLM in Phase II. This R & amp;D project will employ a comprehensive, hands-on approach to advance the state of OLM technology to address the maintenance needs of SMRs. The project will have 5 primary goals: 1) establish provisions in SMR designs for OLM integration, 2) develop empirical and physical models of SMRs to customize and validate OLM algorithms and software, 3) build OLM data acquisition system for SMRs, 4) evaluate the use of diagnostics and prognostics for real-time asset management in SMRs, 5) build a prototype OLM system for SMRs and implement on an SMR simulator. The end result of this project is to design a commercial OLM system for SMRs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The product of this work will be sold to SMR vendors both domestically and internationally for implementation as plants come online in the future. The OLM system can be incorporated into SMR designs or provided later as an add-on. The results of this research will serve as a catalyst for the successful deployment of SMRs, which provide an affordable, clean, proliferation-resistant, and flexible energy source. Additional beneficiaries of this updated technology include NASA (who is currently developing extra-terrestrial reactors) and the United States military (who has expressed interest in portable, long-term energy sources.)"
Advanced Diagnostics for the Control Element Drive Mechanism System in Pressurized Water Reactors,DE-FG02-12ER90379,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2013,2,999220.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Samuel Caylor,Mr.,8656911756,sam@ams-corp.com,"A light water reactor is equipped with control and shutdown rods which are inserted into and withdrawn from the reactor core to control reactivity. The positioning of the control and shutdown rods is performed in Combustion Engineering designed plants with the control element drive mechanism system, which includes a number of subsystems and components critical to safe and reliable plant operation. Aging and obsolescence issues have resulted in failures and plant downtimes that could have been prevented or mitigated by monitoring the condition of system components. The complex design of the control element drive mechanism system inherently creates a need for an on-line diagnostics system that can improve system health monitoring, troubleshooting, and trending capabilities. This proposal offers to benefit the plants through increased system reliability, reduced plant downtime, and improved troubleshooting capabilities. The Phase I project established the feasibility of continuous on-line health monitoring, advanced fault detection, and diagnostic techniques for the control element drive mechanism system. This provides a non-intrusive solution using existing plant signals for detecting component failures and degradation. The Phase I effort resulted in many techniques and applications which will provide significant benefits to this aging system. In Phase II, a research and development effort will prototype a comprehensive health monitoring and diagnostic solution for the control element drive mechanism system. This prototype system will integrate automated data collection with the monitoring, fault detection and diagnostic techniques developed in the Phase I effort. This system will be designed, developed, validated, and demonstrated in the proposing firms laboratory and at participating nuclear power plant facilities. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This Phase II effort will result in three commercial product designs including a portable field test system, a permanently installed comprehensive system, and field testing services to evaluate the control element drive mechanism system using the techniques and tools developed under this project. These products are currently applicable to nearly 40 existing and planned future power plants."
PictureRx: Improving Medication Safety in Health Disparity Populations,2R44MD004048-03,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2013,2,1172564.00,"SAI INTERACTIVE, INC.",340 FRAZIER AVE,,CHATTANOOGA,TN,37405-4050,Yes,No,No,Dane R. Boyington,,423-618-6351,dane@mypicturerx.com,Dane R. Boyington,,423-309-3667,dane@mypicturerx.com,"Abstract Medication safety is an important concern in hospital Emergency Departments (EDs), which provide approximately 136 million patient visits annually in the US and are a common site of care for health disparity populations. In more than one-third ofED visits, patients are unable to provide an accurate list of their medications. Discrepancies and other errors in the documented medication list affect diagnostic and treatment decisions in the ED, and increase the risk of harmful adverse drug events. Taking an accurate medication history and performing medication reconciliation, though required by regulatory agencies, remains a challenge in this time-pressured environment, and new approaches are needed. PictureRx is an internet-based technology that wasdeveloped to improve medication management in vulnerable populations. The project team has successfully completed development and feasibility studies, supported by two Phase I SBIR awards from NIMHD. The current platform allows subscribers to manually maintain structured medication lists and print evidence-based, patient-centered illustrated medication lists in English or Spanish. These were shown in a randomized controlled trial to improve medication understanding. The goals of this Phase II research anddevelopment proposal are to expand the capabilities of the PictureRx platform by linking to other electronic health data sources, to test its effectiveness in improving medication reconciliation in Emergency Departments, and to enhance its commercial potential as a technology to improve the care of health disparity populations. In Aim 1, we will develop a process for importing patient prescription data from Surescripts (the nation's largest clinical information network) into the PictureRx platform, where it will be automatically filtered and structured using language processing rules. In Aim 2, we will further develop the current PictureRx user interface to facilitate review, verification, and editing of this information by either the patient or a health care professional. We will also build in a series of prompts to gather a more complete medication history from the patient, which the user will input into the PictureRx platform to augment the medication data that can be obtained through automated means. InAim 3, we will test the effectiveness of the PictureRx technology in enhancing medication safety in clinical practice, where we expect it will improve the accuracy and efficiency of obtaining a medication history from patients in the ED. Patients will alsobe provided PictureRx medication instructions upon discharge, which we expect to improve understanding. This work involves clinical partnerships with health systems that serve disparity populations. This work will be performed by an experienced team of software engineers, business developers, and academic physicians, who have successfully completed many other projects in technology development and medication safety. The PictureRx technology has very high potential as an effective, affordable, and appropriate intervention to improve care in disparity populations. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Relevance Emergency Departments (ED) serve as an important safety net in the United States, particularly for vulnerable populations. Having an accurate list of the patient's medications is important for treatment decisions in the ED and subsequently, yet more than one-third of medication lists documented in the ED contain potentially harmful errors. This research seeks to develop, implement, and evaluate an internet-based technology, PictureRx, to improve providers' ability to efficiently obtain an accurate medication list in this setting."
Reliable Actuator for Cryo Propellant Fluid Control,NNX13CJ42C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2013,2,695167.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer Sturgis,Accounting&Contracts Manager,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Principal Investigator,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Fluid handling applications in cryogenic and extreme environments require reliable actuation technology that can handle extreme temperatures, mechanical bind-up from ice and foreign contaminants, and operation in poor conditions. A novel EM hammer drive technology is proposed for use in cryo-propellant fuel storage and regulation valves/devices. In addition to high force, the new drive technology offers potential advantages for miniaturization, heat load reduction, and lower cost than traditional electromagnetic and piezoelectric actuators. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes to focus the Phase II innovation on the development of a hammer drive actuation mechanism that will take the EM oscillatory power and produce continuous linear motion for operation at cryogenic and extreme environments. DSM has demonstrated expertise in the operation of its high force linear motor actuators at temperatures down to 77 K. The proposed actuator should operate from approximately 4 K to 400 K and should provide very low or no out gassing as well as operational capabilities in hard vacuum. The technology is proposed for applications in the cryo fluid management, pressure and flow control, and driving operational equipment and instruments. This proposal addresses DSM's approach to the development of flight-scalable demonstration components for the EM hammer drive technology."
"High Flow, Extended-Wear Respirators for Ambient Particulate Matter Protection",W81XWH-13-C-0122,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2013,1,100000.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Deana Scoggins,Controller,(423) 267-6266,dgarrison@eSpintechnologies.com,Jayesh Doshi,Principal Scientist,(423) 267-6266,jdoshi@eSpintechnologies.com,"This SBIR Phase I proposal proposes to design, develop, and produce high performance air filter media with low pressure drop and longer life for dust mask application. Non-woven composite filter media with macro and nanofiber will be produced to obtain design specifications. Fiber size, packing density, porosity, and mass density of the material will be controlled to tailor the properties of the filter media. The filter media will be characterized for its filtration and mechanical performance for optimization leading to manufacturing of dust mask. The proposed technology is expected to enhance the protection level with comfort while providing longer life mask."
Augmentor Stability,FA9101-13-M-0021,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2013,1,149962.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul GLoyer,President,(931) 455-7333,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Gary Flandro,Chief Engineer,(931) 455-7333,gary.flandro@gtlcompany.com,"ABSTRACT: As with all other combustion devices, the augmentors in high-performance gas turbine engines are at risk of combustion instability. While it is tempting to apply brute force CFD to address this problem, at best high fidelity CFD may reveal what happens but not why it happens. While thousands of high fidelity CFD runs could be used to generate empirical type trends, that path is impractical. Instead, it is imperative to understand the sources and root causes of instability if this serious technical issue is to be overcome. Doing so will dramatically reduce development risk and cost, while also allowing maximum performance. To achieve this insight into combustion instability, GTL has developed the Universal Combustion Device Stability (UCDS) process. UCDS is a physics-based model that employs a hybrid analytical-computational analysis wherein energy transport in and out of unsteady fields can be tracked. Doing so quantifies the sources of unsteady energy and their effect on the overall stability. A sophisticated set of computational tools are in place to facilitate this approach. Altogether, UCDS can predict instability, quantify sources of driving or damping, and provide a critical understanding of combustion instability in augmentors at a significantly reduced computational cost. BENEFIT: Combustion instability, whether it is in the form of low frequency rumble or high frequency screech is a serious risk (likelihood and severity) to propulsion system development programs. This instability is characterized by organized pressure oscillations that can severely damage engine hardware or structural damage limiting augmentor operability. To overcome this issue, developers have largely used a cut-and-try approach, which has proven to be costly and not always reliable. In contrast, the UCDS process provides clear insight into why the propulsion system behaves the way it does. This allows developers to design the issue out of their system early or quickly mitigate the issue if it arises during testing. This approach will greatly reduce development cost, schedule and risk, while also allowing performance to be improved. Since UCDS is built from a general formulation it can be applied to practically any combustion device, including augmentors, combustors, liquid rockets, solid rockets, ramjets and scramjets."
High Pressure Breathing System,N00024-13-P-4035,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2013,1,79951.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 455-7333,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Vice-president,(951) 600-9999,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"GTL proposes to develop a small diameter High Pressure Breathing Apparatus concept design capable of achieving 10,000-psi operating pressures. The HPBA incorporates a high-pressure regulator and valve that makes it compatible and component replaceable with existing conventional SCUBA and SCBA equipment. The HPBA tank incorporates several GTL innovations integrated into an optimized solution including graphite composite structures with integration of GTL""s BHL technology that provides high-pressure oxygen compatibility and gas permeable resistance. An innovative high-pressure regulator/valve system has been proposed that combines an integrated design concept leveraging innovative valve and regulator technologies. The proposed phase 1 effort develops concept designs that leverage mechanism technologies and integrated composite structures and pressure vessel technologies being developed at GTL. An integrated design approach is expected to provide a 90% reduction in weight and an 80% reduction in size compared to a standard 3,000 psi 7.25 inch diameter and 26-inch long aluminum tank."
Automated Identification and Sorting of Rare Earth Elements in an E-Waste Recycling Stream,EP-D-13-036,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2013,1,79968.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,Mark J. Ellison,,615-734-6400,mellison@nrtsorters.com,John T. Rich,,615-734-6400,jrich@nrtsorters.com,"Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide. Improper handling of e-waste results in vast amounts of toxic waste being sent to landfill and leaching into the water supply. Due to these concerns e-waste recycling is a rapidly growing industry. Unfortunately, most current e-waste recycling processes rely on either manual hand sorting or differential density sorting methods. Manual hand sorting is expensive in the U.S. and has been associated with major environmental damage overseas. Differential density sorting is expensive and is ineffective at sorting rare earth elements.§When properly sorted there are a significant amount of valuable recyclable materials in e-waste. Recycling rates for e-waste are currently low in part because e-waste recyclers charge a fee for recycling in order to make a profit. Legislative action in many states may increase this rate, but thelong term viability of e-waste recycling depends upon economical approaches to recovering these valuable materials. Rare earth elements in e-waste plastics often are difficult to recover in part because of their presence in minute amounts in the larger e-waste stream. §The objective of the proposed Phase I research is to determine the feasibility of developing a high speed automated sorting system for sorting materials containing rare earth elements in an e-waste recycling stream. This automated sorting system would allow recyclers of e-wastes to more efficiently process e-waste metalsand recover the precious rare earth elements, thereby making recycling more cost-effective. §A significant increase in the anticipated amount of e-waste has been observed over the last few years and is expected to continue as the time between introduction and obsolescence become continually smaller. Furthermore, electronics are becoming significantly more dependent upon dwindling supplies of rare earth elements. Because e-waste electronics contain significant amount of rare earth elements recovery of these materials is crucial for the long-term viability of environmentally friendly recycling of e-wastes. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of Phase I and Phase II research that the application of the technology will improve the costs of recycling e-wastes, improving the rate at which e-wastes are recycled. §The proposing firm is a major manufacturer of recycling equipment for the post-consumer plastics recycling industry. The proposed technology is expected to have a strong market in the e-waste recycling industry."
Modular Planar Germanium Detector Systems for High Resolution Gamma-ray Spectroscopy and Tracking Arrays,DE-FG02-13ER90537,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2013,1,150000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Physics maintains gamma-ray detector arrays as user facilities. The Modular Planar Germanium (MPGe) detector systems to be developed here will provide a lower cost, higher resolution, basis for such detector arrays. The MPGe detector systems will be experimentally developed by understanding the radiation-damage limitations of these detector systems, designing new systems that conform to array geometries, and finally fabricating prototypes for testing in DOE user facilities. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: While the DOE Nuclear Physics array applications are straightforward, there are numerous other commercially important areas and societal benefits from the evolution of such detector systems. The most significant of these application areas is preclinical and clinical Nuclear-Medicine imaging"
Game-Based Deployable Trainer with True 3D and High Acuity Display,FA8650-13-M-6431,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2013,1,149972.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,David L. Page,Chief 3D Software Architect,(865) 896-0036,dpage@seetrue3d.com,C. E. (Tommy) Thomas,Chief Technology Officer,(865) 896-0036,thomasce1@seetrue3d.com,"ABSTRACT: To address Air Force""s need for high fidelity training and rehearsal environments in next-generation multirole aircraft, Third Dimension Technologies (TDT) proposes to develop a new low-cost Warfighter 3D Gaming Environment (W3DGE). The W3DGE is a game-based, networked, reconfigurable trainer that can travel anywhere and be assembled in hours. An innovation of W3DGE is a unique quick-change displaytrue 3D or high acuitydepending on training needs. The true 3D (unaided, naked eye) display is a new variant of TDT""s Angular Slice 3D Display (AS3D), a holographic stereogram-based display that recreates all human visual cues, including no-glasses-required stereopsis, head-motion parallax and matched vergence-accommodation (viewer""s eyes are focused where they are lookingcontrary to typical stereo 3D displays). TDT is partnering with Lockheed Martin to integrate W3DGE with Prepar3D, a professional training and simulation environment, and thereby directly addresses the Air Force""s requirements for training, evaluating and preparing personnel on fifth-generation aircraft. In Phase I, TDT will analyze relevant fifth-generation missions, then design the W3DGE for training these missions and demonstrate feasibility with a proof-of-concept testbed. In Phase II, TDT will optimize the design and fabricate a full low-cost prototype to evaluate and quantify training effectiveness and mission readiness. BENEFIT: An anticipated benefit of the W3DGE (Warfighter 3D Gaming Environment) platform is the ability to simulate all human visual cues, including stereopsis, head motion parallax and vergence-accommodation, for unaided, naked-eye (true 3D) visualization. The W3DGE uses the new Curved AS3D (Angular Slice 3D Display), which is a major technology innovation as it reduces system complexity (lower cost) and improves rendering budgets (better performance) without loss of fidelity. Thus, the W3DGE, as an affordable game-based platform, offers a major cost-savings opportunity for the Department of Defense (DoD) in simulation, modeling and training. The ability for no-glasses-required true 3D viewing opens new avenues of DoD research and development in supervisory control interfaces, battlespace visualizations, immersive and collaborative environments, human factors, human vision, etc. Additionally, commercial applications in medical imaging, 3D CAD engineering, scientific visualization and over the long term entertainment (gaming and movies) are highly probable offshoots of this technology."
"Development of Multidisciplinary, Multi-Fidelity Analysis and Integration of Aerospace Vehicles",FA8650-13-C-2325,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2013,2,600000.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Jamie Allen,CEO,(615) 372-0299,jallen@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,Chief Product Dev. Office,(615) 372-0299,adey@vextec.com,"ABSTRACT: The Phase II objective is to develop a probabilistic multi-disciplinary, multi-fidelity uncertainty management analytical tool that links aerodynamic analysis, structural analysis, and fatigue analysis to predict the durability for airframe components and demonstrate that the tool can be used analyze actual airframe structures. The benefit of developing such an uncertainty management tool is to make accurate remaining useful life forecasts of aircraft systems based on actual usage. It is anticipated that the demonstration will be performed on a legacy airframe component. The first year of the project will be focused on developing the necessary computational codes & models to set up the demonstration problem and laying out the basic multi-disciplinary analysis framework to predict fatigue durability. The second year of the project will focus on developing Bayesian analysis techniques which will update usage and damage states (based on real and simulated inspection data) to provide revised estimates on durability. BENEFIT: In the current age of large multi-disciplinary virtual simulation, developing a multi-disciplinary, multi-fidelity uncertainty management tool is useful in determining how to minimize overall uncertainty in analytical predictions. In addition the methodology can be used to optimize for the best use of computational resources to arrive at most robust predictions. The benefit of this methodology lies in creating understanding of how parameter changes at each discipline level affects overall system reliability and uncertainty."
Development of an Atmospheric Plasma Applicator to Treat Chronic Wounds,2R44GM099207-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2013,2,2188490.00,"ADVANCED PLASMA PRODUCTS, INC.",231 Sam Rayburn Parkway,,Lenior City,TN,37771-,No,No,No,Kimberly K. Wintenberg,,865-777-3776,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,Kimberly Kelly-wintenb,,865-317-1425,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Annually, 5 to 7 million Americans are treated for chronic wounds that arise from diabetes, lower extremity arterial disease, lower extremity venous disease, pressure ulcers, and traumatic injuries, including burns, demonstrating the need for new advanced technologies for treatment. Advanced Plasma Products will build upon its successful Phase I results and advance the development of the Atmospheric Plasma Wound Applicator (APWA) prototypes that inactivate biofilm without causing damage to surrounding tissues, thereby healing the wound. The prototype will be tested for its wound disinfecting capabilities with in vitro wound biofilm models of different clinically significant strains and polymicrobial biofilm. Penetration studies will be performed to evaluate the depth of plasma active species in tissue and mechanistic studies will evaluate the mechanism of inactivation of microbial cells by plasma treatment. We will demonstrate the therapeutic potential of atmospheric plasma to improve wound healing by the removal of microorganisms from the biofilm of splinted excisional wounds of normal and diabetic mice and the introduction of various gaseous nitrogen species. A second generation prototype will be built and tested in a clinical setting with equine lower limb wounds. Following this two year effort, APP will initiate FDA 510K regulatory approval process. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Public Health Impact Statement Chronic wounds affect 5 to 7 million Americans annually and generate healthcare cost in the billions of dollars. More importantly, chronic wounds contribute significantly to the mortality of patients in the United States, and lead to over 80,000 amputations annually due to complicationsin diabetic and peripheral arterial disease patients. Most chronic wounds are treated by outpatients wound care center requiring weekly visits and can take months to years to heal at high costs. The health-related quality of life of patients suffering fromchronic wounds is similar to that of patients wih recurrent cancer. There is an increase in lack of mobility and patients feel isolated and the incidence of depression is significantly higher than the general population. Since many chronic wound patientsare 65 years of age or older and covered by Medicare or Medicaid, there is a push to look at lower-cost alternative treatment technologies. Building upon our expertise in disinfection/sterilization of sensitive items, APP is meeting this demand to effectively treat chronic wounds by developing an Atmospheric Plasma Applicator using its patented atmospheric plasma technology."
An Advanced Biosensor for Molecular Interaction Studies.,2R42GM090456-02A1,HHS,HHS,STTR,2013,2,1438415.00,"MOLECULAR SENSING, INC.",111 10th Ave South,Suite 110,Nashville,TN,37203-,No,No,No,Scot R. Weinberger,,408-335-1379,sweinberger@molsense.com,Scot R. Weinberger,,408-335-1379,swinberger@molsense.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Molecular interactions form the foundation of biology and chemistry. They are central to life itself and determine catalytic activity, cellular function, and therapeutic efficacy. The vast majority of diagnostic procedures depend on some type of specific molecular interaction. Therefore, the ability to perform pure liquid-phase molecular binding analysis at high sensitivity, without modifying the interacting species, and at physiological concentrations would be revolutionary. Yet, the tools available to quantify these interactions have limitations. Traditional methods such as the sucrose gradient technique or isothermal titrimetric calorimetry are laborious and require substantial quantities of sample to perform an assay. Fluorescence and radioactive methods are sensitive, but rely on the incorporation of signaling labels to enable detection, slowing the assay and increasing its cost. Numerous techniques, particularly the label-free methods, require surface immobilizationof one of the interacting moieties putting the species in a non-native environment. Labels and tethers can be benign, but often alter the interacting molecules and can lead to a biased result. Recently my group and others demonstrated that back-scatteringinterferometry (BSI) can be used in the academic laboratory to perform molecular interaction determinations label-free and in free-solution, with sensitivity that allows assays on small quantities of sample, at physiologically relevant concentrations. BSIis a universal sensing method that only requires the product of a reaction to refract or interact with light differently than the participating species, therefore has the potential to be widely applicable for general use as a Molecular Interaction Photometer (MIP). BSI is a prime candidate to become an MIP because it has a simple and inexpensive optical train comprised of a He-Ne laser, a microfluidic channel, and a position sensor allowing minute refractive index changes to be monitored. Measurements aremade within a microfluidic channel formed in glass, fused silica, or plastic and at physiologically relevant concentrations in complex matrices such as serum or with native membrane- proteins. Yet the current academic embodiment of BSI is not commerciallyviable. Tedious alignment methods, immature transduction schemes, poorly refined sample handling and introduction methods, and performance limitations due to environmental noise sensitivity all impede the wide dissemination and adoption of BSI in the lifescience and drug discovery communities. Under Phase I of this STTR grant we met our milestones demonstrating a two-channel BSI instrument with a pipette-driven injection method and a fringe detection algorithm that simplified fringe selection and alignment. Here we propose to build on these results, while capitalizing on two new innovations to transform our academic laboratory BSI into the MIP instrument we call NanoBIND. Under this STTR Phase II, we propose the completion of four aims to refine BSI through research development and technology transfer, facilitate commercialization by Molecular Sensing Inc. and allow the subsequent broad dissemination in the research community. In Aim 1 we further simplify the optical train, while retaining the advantages ofperforming a simultaneous sample-reference determination. Aim 2 implements a sample introduction method that is user friendly, minimizes the potential for contamination and constrains volumes to lt1?L. An improved algorithm enhances sensitivity, enables electronic fringe selection and alignment and addresses non-specific interactions (at cell wall) to improve assay reproducibility in Aim 3. And in Aim 4 ?- prototype version BSI systems will be constructed and used, external to Vanderbilt and MSI, to demonstrate that BSI gives meaningful and quantitative binding affinity values (from ?M to pM) and that it can be used to screen for molecular interactions in complex matrices such as serum and cell-free media, as well as DMSO. Upon completion of these Aims, three identical prototypes will have been constructed and evaluated for field utility. Feedback from these laboratories and users will provide the formal framework for refining the design under Phase III commercial deployment. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The process of determining if two or more molecules specifically interacted forms the foundation of the chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, and medical sciences. However, sensitive bench-top methods to monitor such interactions, in particular those that are label-free and do not involve surface immobilization, are unavailable. To fulfill this need, we propose to develop a low-cost and easy to use molecular interaction photometer, based on back-scattering interferometry, whichallows a wide variety of molecular interaction studies to be performed in minutes at the lab bench by modestly skilled practitioners."
"SBIR Phase I: The Development of Higher Voltage, Longer Life and Lower Cost Activated Carbon Materials for Supercapacitors",1315040,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2013,1,148138.00,Coulometrics,100 Cherokee Boulevard,Suite 318,Chattanooga,TN,37405-3860,Yes,No,No,Edward R. Buiel,,4239547766,ebuiel@coulometrics.com,Edward R. Buiel,,4239547766,ebuiel@coulometrics.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project seeks to solve the problems of limited voltage, energy density, and lifetime in Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs). These issues have largely lead to the failure of EDLCs to become a significant part of the energy storage landscape. Over the years, many different efforts have focused on developing new carbon materials for EDLCs, including those focused on exotic and expensive materials such as carbon nanotubes, carbide derived carbons and Graphene. None of these have so far succeeded at matching the energy density, lifetime, or voltage range of 15 year old commercial carbon materials. This project will attempt to prove that this is related to functional groups on the carbon surface that, when assembled in an EDLC and charged, are REDOX active to form water in the electrolyte. The objective of the research will be to eliminate these species and other surface functional groups, while maintaining the exceptionally high surface area necessary for high capacitance, through precisely controlled thermal treatment of activated carbon. This will result in dramatic increases in the voltage, energy density, and life of current EDLC products. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will involve dramatically expanding the value of ultracapacitors to various applications and enhancing their societal impact. Supercapacitors have failed to meet expectations for market growth largely due to high cost, premature failure, low voltage (matching Li-ion battery voltages requires two devices in series) and low energy density, and have seen minimal technical progress over the last decade. Our technology would increase the energy density, lifetime and voltage to levels that would enable much more widespread adoption in applications currently restricted to batteries alone. Additional societal impact, and directly related commercial advantage, would stem from the fact that this technology could eliminate the requirement for exotic and expensive precursors for carbon production, allowing, for the first time, the use of inexpensive water filtration carbons. The combined lower cost and improved performance would expand EDLCs use in applications like hybrid cars, buses, wind turbine pitch control and grid storage, all of which have tremendous societal impact and where cost is the primary barrier to entry for EDLC manufacturers."
Expressing bacterial bioluminescence in human cell lines: Engineering autobiolumi,1R43ES022567-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2013,1,138191.00,"490 BIOTECH, INC.",2450 EJ CHAPMAN DR,,KNOXVILLE,TN,37996-0001,No,No,Yes,Steven Ripp,,865-974-9605,Steven.Ripp@490biotech.com,Dan Morrison,,865-974-9605,Dan.Morrison@490biotech.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Expressing bacterial bioluminescence in human cell lines: Engineering autobioluminescent reporter cells to screen for endocrine disruptor chemicals Project Summary This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I projectproposes to engineer an autobioluminescent human cell line for improved screening of chemicals displaying endocrine disruptor activity to address the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) request for tools for improved exposure assessment related to endocrine active chemical exposures. Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) potentially originating from plastics, pesticides, and pharmaceutical and personal care products are under scrutiny due to implications that they cause adverse health effects in humans and wildlife, including increased cancer rates, lowered sperm counts, early puberty in females, and altered functions of reproductive organs. Chemical manufacturers and importers are being mandated to test their chemicals for endocrinetoxicity effects under the auspices of the U.S. EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). With 87,000 chemicals potentially requiring testing, the battery of Tier 1 EDC screening assays have been recognized as being too slow and too costly to meetcurrent demands, and the EPA has been tasked with transitioning its EDSP program towards faster and more cost-effective screening technologies. To address this need, 490 BioTech proposes to engineer a human cell line endowed with a bacterially derived bioluminescent reporter gene construct for improved monitoring of endocrine active chemicals. The current market of bioluminescent reporter cells being applied towards EDC screening rely upon a firefly luciferase gene construct that must be provided with a substrate to activate its light emission response, resulting in only marginally informative single time point snapshots of potential toxicological interactions. Our proposed substrate-free, autobioluminescent reporter cell line will emit light continuously and in real time in response to endocrine active compounds, thus providing an uninterrupted stream of visual data over the lifetime of the reporter cell as it interacts and reacts to target chemical exposure. Further, using a human cell as the sensing platform provides more accurate and realistic information in regards to bioavailability and a chemical's true effect on individual human health. With over 500 contract laboratories performing Tier 1 screening assays at an average cost of 1,000/assay over a potential inventory of 87,00 chemicals, and with the EPA mandating the integration of faster/better/cheaper technologies into the Tier 1 screening scheme, we believe we possess a product capable of significantly impacting the chemical/drug screening market and, here in particular, advancing our understanding of endocrine active chemicals as they pertain to public health and consumer safety. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Certain hormonally active chemicals, collectively referred toas endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs), mimic or antagonize the actions of naturally occurring estrogens and are believed to result in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. The chemical, pesticide, personal care products, plastics, and nutritional supplements industries have been tasked with screening their products for EDCs. Using a novel autobioluminescent human cell line, 490 BioTech proposes to advance current EDC screening assays with a reporter cell technology that surveys EDC activity continuously and in real time to deliver more data faster and more cost effectively for improved safeguarding of public health."
Biosensor and Controller for Closed Loop Anesthesia Delivery System,W81XWH-13-C-0099,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2013,1,149984.00,Infusense,6415 River Tide Drive,,Memphis,TN,-,No,No,No,Edward Chaum,"Founder, Chief Medical Officer",(901) 494-3140,echaum@infusense.com,Chuck Witkowski,Princiap Investigator,(865) 566-3912,Chuck.Witkowski@gmail.com,"Microfabricated chemical and biological sensors serve as an interface between biologic and electronic systems. Previously, through TATRC-funded research grants (W81XWH-05-2-0064, W81XWH-10-1-0358), we have investigated the behavior and detection of propofol using electrochemical (EC) methods. Using these analytical methods, we have quantified the oxidation of propofol well below therapeutic concentrations in reagents and in serum, and have designed and fabricated several prototype biosensors using; 1) carbon fiber microdisc electrodes, 2) carbon nanofiber electrodes, and 3) organic membrane-coated carbon electrodes. We have previously tested and reported on sensor performance, signal sensitivity and stability, biofouling, and biological interference ex vivo to model clinical performance and validated sensor performance in pilot clinical studies. We have also developed a prototype preclinical platform feedback control loop (including controller design elements) for closed-loop infusional propofol anesthesia to automate drug delivery in real-time in vivo, using small infusion systems. The goal of this Phase I SBIR is to integrate our biosensor prototypes and EC methods with current TCI pump technology and complete controller design testing of the small platform closed loop device to deliver real time (<1 second) sensing of propofol levels."
Metadata assisted Management of Diabetes in Rural Health Disparity Communities,2013-02665,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2013,2,449997.00,"HUBBLE TELEMEDICAL, INC.","320 N CEDAR BLUFF RD, STE 325",,Knoxville,TN,37923-4512,No,No,No,Chuck Witkowski,CEO,865-622-8380,cwitkowski@hubbletelemedical.com,Derek Austin,Vice President of Engineering,865-622-8380,daustin@hubbletelemedical.com,"Diabetes is an epidemic disease in the United States and worldwide. Diabetes care accounts for 10% of all U.S. healthcare costs, most of which is consumed in the care of complications from diabetes, but also includes lost economic productivity from illness, disability and blindness. Despite the high incidence of diabetes, low health literacy and limited access to health care resources keeps families in a cycle of poor health that continues from generation to generation. Critical socio-economic and geographical barriers to health care in rural, health disparity communities pose unique challenges to identify those patients at the greatest risk for complications of diabetes, which are not met by current health care delivery models. As an emerging technology, telemedicine is an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver health care services over large geographic regions including rural, health disparity communities. Hubble Telemedical provides remote management of diabetic retinopathy using retinal images acquired in the primary care practice space, through its award winning TRIAD Network. Hubble & #39;s network leverages image and metadata analysis algorithms and the connectivity to the Internet to provide a scalable, web-based, and cost effective solution for high throughput, point-of-care assessment and management of diabetic disease complications in large health disparity populations. The result? Improved efficiency and health outcomes. This proposal will leverage an ongoing partnership with the Delta Health Alliance (Stoneville, MS) and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to implement a translational, informatics-based diabetes management program. In our Phase I study we developed a proprietary software interface to automatically acquire remote electronic health record data and established the feasibility of using clinical metadata mining to identify and more effectively manage those patients at highest risk for the complications of diabetic retinopathy. Our goal is to identify and target high-risk patients for medical intervention and referral as a cost-effective approach to improving health outcomes in rural America. In this Phase II study, Hubble Telemedical and its partners will demonstrate that metadata-based health care analytics can be provided to rural communities to effect a scalable and cost effective solution to diabetes management and disease progression. We will demonstrate improved and cost effective health care outcomes in at risk patients in a cohort of over 800 patients using data mining analysis. In Phase III, Hubble will deploy the developed system to a multiplicity of rural, health disparity communities throughout the US in partnership with its managed care and wellness partners to apply this novel paradigm to optimize management of diabetes, obesity and their complications in rural America to help curb the spiraling costs of US health care using a cost effective data mining model."
Optimization of Rotavirus Vaccine Production,200-2013-M-57416,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2013,1,150000.00,"Meridian Life Sciences, Inc.",5171 Wilfong Rd.,,Memphis,TN,38134-,No,No,No,Alan Sims,,,,Thomas Kienzle,,(901) 322-9182,thomas.kienzle@meridianlifescience.com,"Rotavirus is the most common cause of debilitating diarrhea, dehydration and death in infants and young children around the globe. Currently approved live oral vaccines (Rotarix® and RotaTeq®) are only -50% or less effective in children from developing countries. This reduced efficacy is due to factors that decrease the effective titer of the virus reaching the gut, impairment of the host response of the infant and/or differences in virus and serotype distribution. In addition, both vaccines are associated with a low risk of diarrhea and intussusception among infants who receive the vaccine. It is critical that alternative approaches for a rotavirus vaccine be considered to improve the safety and efficacy of oral rotavirus vaccines. Rotavirus strain CDC-9 developed by the CDC is a viable vaccine candidate based on desirable patterns of potential attenuation, robust growth in cGMP qualified Vero cells, and proof of concept in pre-clinical studies. In this Phase I proposal, Meridian Life Science, Inc. will identify growth kinetics of the virus and develop robust downstream purification and heat-inactivation processes. The work described in this proposal will provide the framework for manufacture of clinical grade material for Phase I and Phase II human clinical trials."
Novel and Improved Methods for Extracting Colorants from Indigo and Black Walnut,2013-00256,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2013,1,100000.00,"BELLOS, SARAH",3456 KNIGHT DR,,Whites Creek,TN,37189-9188,Yes,No,No,Sarah Bellos,Researcher,615-306-3154,s.bellos@gmail.com,Sarah Bellos,,615-306-3154,s.bellos@gmail.com,"The market for natural colorants is growing. Trends in food, cosmetics, and textiles show consumers are concerned over the use of synthetic, petroleum-derived dyes and seek a more environmentally friendly option. However, manufacturers cannot compromise on quality, stability, or functionality of colorants in their products. Natural colorants, including from plants, have been used as dyes for thousands of years. However, many potential dye crops and by-products of food processing are not currently exploited as sources of colorants. This project seeks to determine the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and economic process to convert low-value raw plant material into an industry-ready, high quality colorant. The natural colorants produced as a result of this research will be safer for the environment, ""green"" the textile industry, and benefits U.S. farmers and foresters with access to a new market. We will develop storable, stable, shippable colorants from black walnut hulls and indigo plants. We will improve the technical extraction process and creating production protocols for these alternative crops. Stony Creek Colors will facilitate the entry of these value-added colorants, grown by small and medium size U.S. farmers and foresters, into the U.S. and export natural colorant market. The U.S. company that can create cost effective, machine-ready, and sustainably sourced dye extracts from known dye plant resources will open up high-growth markets by linking agricultural producers and the raw material supply chain with the end consumers demand, including textile and sewn-product manufacturers and dyehouses. Dozens of native and cultivated species contain natural colorants. However, raw material must be extracted into a standardized and high quality colorant in order to reach industrial textile market, which has very specific product and performance needs. This project works across the natural colorant value chain to reach our commercialization goal: high quality U.S. grown colorants used in the textile industry. Reaching our goal of commercialization and market adoption of U.S. sources of natural colorants allows us to reach our desired outcomes: new and diversified income for farm and forestry communities and increased competitiveness of U.S. textile firms and rural industries."
OTHER FUNCTIONS DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPANION DIAGNOSTIC FOR ALK MUTATIONS.,N44CO120047,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2012,2,1495220.00,"INSIGHT GENETICS, INC.",111 10th Ave. South Suite 110,,NASHVILLE,TN,37203-,No,No,No,David Hout,,615-255-8880,DHOUT@INSIGHTGENETICSINC.COM,David Hout,,615-255-8880,DHOUT@INSIGHTGENETICSINC.COM,"Constitutively activated forms of ALK caused by genetic aberrations have been shown to cause an expanding variety of human cancers. The FDA recently approved the Pfizer drug Xalkori (crizotinib) to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) that express ALK. Numerous other pharmaceutical companies (ARIAD, Novartis, Synta, Xcovery, others) have ongoing ALK small-molecule inhibitor programs. The current diagnostic standard an ALK break-apart FISH assay has low sensitivity and is difficult tointerpret, creating a precarious situation for clinicians attempting to select the proper patients for ALK inhibitor treatment. Insight Genetics has therefore designed a qPCR platform, Insight ALK Screen , to provide highly sensitive and unambiguous identification of the complete spectrum of oncogenic ALK. During Phase I development, Insight ALK Screen was shown to be agnostic with regard to the 5 fusion partner of ALK, highly sensitive in cell line dilution studies, and highly specific in FFPE NSCLC patient specimens. Phase II will demonstrate clinical utility of the assay by testing a large cohort of clinical specimens to unequivocally demonstrate statistical significance in sound patient selection for ALK inhibitor therapy. The product will then enter co-development with IVD partner, QIAGEN, for commercialization of the assay as a FDA-approved companion diagnostic."
IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - RandD BIOMEDICAL (BASIC RESEARCH),N43CO120086,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2012,1,199576.00,"INSIGHT GENETICS, INC.",111 10th Ave. South Suite 110,,NASHVILLE,TN,37203-,No,No,No,Dr. david Hout,,615-255-8880,DHOUT@INSIGHTGENETICSINC.COM,Dr. david Hout,,615-255-8880,DHOUT@INSIGHTGENETICSINC.COM,"Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer mortality worldwide with 80% non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in type and mainly driven by three mutually exclusive oncogenes, EGFR, KRAS and ALK (collectively between 30-60% of all NSCLC cases). Oncogenic driverssuch as ROS1 and RET fusions and DEPDC1 over-expression have been identified as clearly recurrent, collectively constituting up to ~12% of all NSCLC cases. Preclinical studies have demonstrated ROS1-driven cancers to be exquisitely sensitive to small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as well as Hsp90 inhibitors that are now under development by several pharma and biotech firms. Similarly, ambiguous TKI treatments have also been used against non-NSCLC RET and DEPDC1 driven cancers in ongoing Phase Iand Phase II clinical trials with good efficacy. These trials should encourage numerous pharmaceutical companies to follow suit and conduct similar clinical trials using therapeutics specifically targeting RET and DEPDC1-driven NSCLC. Unfortunately, no regulatory-approved, high-throughput commercial diagnostic tests are readily available to reliably and efficiently diagnose ROS1 or RET fusions nor DEPDC1 over expression in NSCLC patients. We propose to complete the development and validation of both a comprehensive panel of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assays and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to collectively be used as a broad-based NSCLC detection panel to classify a previously unidentified, yet significant, cohort of NSCLC patients readily treatable with available therapeutics. All validations will establish clinical utility by ultimately testing a large cohort of clinical specimens to unequivocally demonstrate statistical significance for sound patient selectionof inhibitor therapy. All potential companion diagnostics will then enter co-development with an IVD partner for full commercialization of each assay as a FDA-approved companion diagnostic."
Electromagnetic Pulse Effects Simulator,N68936-12-C-0197,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2012,1,79985.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,(423) 894-4646,rmp7001@accurate-automation.com,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,pkrueger@accurate-automation.com,"Utilizing directed energy weapons effectively in an offensive situation or determining the level of protection needed for defense requires the ability to select the proper DEW source characteristics and method of delivery based on the target, any shielding and the desired effect. This is an incredibly difficult problem to resolve due to the large number of variables to contend with. Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will employ its experience in the generation of electromagnetic pulses as well as designing HPM protection devices coupled with our work in modeling and simulation to develop a tool that models electromagnetic pulse (EMP) sources, potential targets (systems, sub-systems and components), attack scenarios (direct air propagation, power and data line transmission), and shielding methods (structures, metal enclosures, etc.) in order to assess the susceptibility of electronics and vulnerability of systems."
"Repeatable Virtualization of Intelligence, Surveillance&Reconnaissance (ISR) System Servers",W15P7T-12-C-A008,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2012,2,779884.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,(423) 894-4646,rmp7001@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation proposes an innovative application of virtualization tools to complex information systems, especially the Joint Multi-mission Protection System (JUMPS). The program includes three parts. 1. A plan will be developed and implemented to facilitate the operation and to manage the growth of the JUMPS. This plan will leverage Virtual Machines (VMs), which abstract applications from the hardware on which they run. Hardware changes and growth will be achieved with few or no modifications to the VMs and their applications. Furthermore, VMs will improve application availability and will provide fault tolerance. 2. A new class of application tool will help the JUMPS program address the diverse requirements of a large number of user agencies. Each agency will tailor""minion""apps within the constraints of a common JUMPS software library. Minions will be delivered to host sites where they""look after""the interests of the agency. Minions address the issue of limited bandwidth by improving peripheral access to central resources. 3. A management tool will optimize system performance while considering potential attacks, thereby improving survivability beyond the level provided by the enterprise virtualization tools. This management tool is necessary because the U.S. Army faces a substantially greater threat environment than a typical enterprise organization. The method differs significantly from typical approaches to network optimization because the potential actions of adversaries are considered. Accurate Automation will virtualize the JUMPS in a way that manages growth, including the diverse requirements of an expanding user-base, thus minimizing programmatic risk, while simultaneously addressing the severe threat environment in which the U.S. Military operates, thus minimizing physical risk. Accurate Automation has demonstrated a solid understanding of the virtualization tools and is technically competent in a wide array of fields related to the application. Accurate Automation has a good understanding of the JUMPS program and of the related DCGS-A program."
Direct Optical Modulation of HVDC on an RF Transmission Line,W9113M-12-C-0039,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2012,2,618491.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,(423) 894-4646,rmp7001@accurate-automation.com,Peter G. Krueger,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,pkrueger@accurate-automation.com,Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to develop a system for a self-contained missile launchable RF Generator based on a frozen wave transmission line technique. The RF transmission line will be charged through an optically activated switch fabricated from silicon carbide. A high energy pulsed laser with an electronic timing control will connect to the switch via an optical fiber. A high voltage series resonant DC supply will provide the charge for the transmission line. Battery power will be used as the prime power supply for the laser and DC source. The transmission line will drive a dielectric loaded helical antenna optimized for high gain and small form factor.
Rod Control System On-Line Condition Monitoring and Advanced Diagnostics for Existing and Next Generation Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-11ER90019,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2012,2,999506.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,865-691-1756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Samuel Caylor,Mr.,865-691-1756,sam@ams-corp.com,"Aging and obsolescence issues have recently led to problems with the rod control systems of existing pressurized water reactors. These issues, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the industry to actively seek viable options to monitor the health of these systems in order to ensure reliable plant operation for decades to come. This proposed work offers a comprehensive research and development effort to apply on-line condition monitoring and advanced diagnostics to the rod control systems of existing and new nuclear power plants. The primary product of this project will be a prototype rod control diagnostic system that will take advantage of existing test points inside current-generation rod control system cabinets to continuously monitor for abnormal events and component degradation. In Phase I, the feasibility of a rod control diagnostic system was established by obtaining rod control data from a nuclear power plant during rod movement. This data was used to develop algorithms that identify common rod control system problems. In Phase II, these algorithms will be further developed to provide real-time diagnostic capabilities for identifying a variety of common problems encountered by the industry including electronic card failures; logic errors; timing, latching and rod movement problems; and control rod drive mechanism coil and cable degradation. These issues have led to reactor trips, unplanned shutdowns, and extended refueling outages that resulted in millions of dollars in lost industry revenue and increased costs of electricity for the public. This proposal outlines the significance of typical rod control system problems, how the diagnostic system will address these issues, and additional benefits the proposed development will provide. After the prototype system has been implemented in one or more facilities, a design for a commercial system will be produced. In addition to the existing fleet, the proposing firm will also develop the design for implementing the technology in the next generation of nuclear power plants. This technology can be deployed to pressurized water reactors as a complete system, individual diagnostic modules, or it can be used by the proposing firm under a service contract as measurement and test equipment. As such, there are a variety of commercial applications."
Advanced Diagnostics for the Control Element Drive Mechanism System in Pressurized Water Reactors,DE-FG02-12ER90379,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2012,1,149827.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,865-691-1756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Samuel Caylor,Mr.,865-691-1756,sam@ams-corp.com,"Current designs of Light Water Reactors (LWR) are equipped with control and shutdown rods that are inserted and withdrawn from the reactor core for reactivity control. In particular, the Control Element Drive Mechanism (CEDM) system is widely used for regulating plant power levels and core power distribution in the existing and next generation of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). This system includes a number of subsystems such as the CEDM and Control Element Assembly, power switch assembly circuitry, and control logic electronics. This particular type of rod control system has provided safe and reliable service to Combustion Engineering (CE) and subsequent CE System 80 designed nuclear plants for over 30 years. However, aging and obsolescence issues with the current generation of CEDMs, system controls, cables, and connectors have led to failures that resulted in reduced plant loads, reactor shutdowns, and manual or automatic reactor trips resulting in millions of dollars of lost revenue. In addition to aging and obsolescence concerns, the lack of diagnostic capabilities in the CEDM control system is a significant problem. These issues, along with plant life extensions, have prompted the need for new technology to monitor the health of these rod control systems in order to ensure reliable plant operation for decades to come. The goal of this project is to conduct a research and development effort to establish the feasibility of a health monitoring and diagnostic system for the CEDM control system, and design, implement, and demonstrate the capabilities at a nuclear plant facility. Advanced diagnostic techniques can be applied to the CEDM system in order to provide a non-intrusive solution for detecting component degradation. Also, enhanced condition monitoring techniques can better equip the plant with the ability to classify system failures, trend important parameters, log abnormal events, and localize faults so that they can be resolved in a timely manner. A robust monitoring and diagnostic system design will allow new diagnostic techniques to be combined with traditional plant surveillances to ensure CEDM system health and optimal system reliability."
Online Monitoring in Small Modular Reactors,DE-FG02-12ER86525,DOE,DOE,STTR,2012,1,149987.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,865-691-1756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Mrs. Dara Cummins,Mrs.,865-691-1756,dara@ams-corp.com,"Small modular reactors (SMRs) are at the forefront of the nuclear industrys options for deployment of new reactors to meet the growing electricity needs of the world. However, the designs of SMR plants are not yet far along enough to know the type and number of instruments that will be included in each design other than tentative statements by potential suppliers that they plan to use existing instrumentation designs as the starting point. As such, there is a need for research to identify suitable instrumentation for SMRs, and more importantly, for integration of SMR instrumentation with existing and new online monitoring (OLM) technologies for condition-based maintenance of the instrumentation and other plant equipment. This proposal offers as its first task to research instrumentation options for SMRs including their physical configuration, placement, redundancy, and performance specifications. Secondly, the instrumentation options for SMRs will be evaluated based on their amenability to existing OLM technologies for remote maintenance of their performance. The goal of these efforts will be to provide the SMR designers, vendors, and utilities with optimum instrumentation that is amenable to OLM and to demonstrate the feasibility of OLM technologies for performance monitoring and predictive maintenance of SMR equipment. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This project will benefit the nuclear industry and the general public in a number of ways. First, SMRs are expected to serve as an economical and safe source of electricity generation that is not harmful to the environment and is immune to security risks. With the technologies to be provided to SMRs under this project, the plants will be made safer, more efficient, and highly economical. This will benefit the general public in reduced electricity prices and a carbon free source of energy and will contribute to diversity of electricity supply and independence from foreign sources of energy."
Reliable Actuator for Cryo Propellant Fluid Control,NNX12CE83P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2012,1,124995.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer Sturgis,Business Official,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Principal Investigator,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Cryogenic fluid handling applications require a reliable actuation technology that can handle very low temperatures. A novel EM hammer drive technology is proposed for use in cryo-propellant fuel storage and regulation valves/devices. In addition to high force, the new drive technology offers potential advantages for miniaturization, reduction of heat load, and lower cost as compared to traditional electromagnetic actuators. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes to focus the Phase I innovation on the development of a hammer drive actuation mechanism that will take the EM oscillatory power and produce continuous linear motion for operation at cryogenic and extreme environments. DSM has already demonstrated operation of its high force linear motor actuators at temperatures down to 77 K. The proposed actuator should operate from approximately 4 K to 400 K and should provide very low or no outgassing as well as operational capabilities in hard vacuum. The technology is proposed for applications in the cryo fluid management, pressure and flow control, and driving operational equipment and instruments. This proposal addresses DSM's approach to the development of flight-scalable demonstration components for the EM hammer drive technology."
Manufacturing Development of Biomimetic Tissue Engineering Scaffolds,W81XWH-11-C-0022,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2012,2,729999.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Jayesh Doshi,President,(423) 267-6266,jdoshi@eSpintechnologies.com,Jayesh Doshi,President,(423) 267-6266,jdoshi@eSpintechnologies.com,"With tissue engineering science offering promising biomedical interventions for previously untreatable injuries or diseases, many researchers are investigating the use of nanofiber-based medical vehicles for regenerative medicine. The challenge is to produce such vehicles outside of a small-scale laboratory environment and to develop a GMP-compliant lab to fabricate medical-grade devices for use in clinical trials. This proposed effort is targeted towards developing a cGMP compliant electrospinning technology to produce small lots of tissue scaffold material. During Phase II, an electrospinning machine will be built in a Class 1000 clean room and a small lot manufacturing process used to produce a clinical grade PLGA tissue scaffold. Process parameters will be established for meeting GMP/GLP guidelines and regulatory protocols established for the master file for devices. The electrospinning machines capacity, capability, and performance will be determined to establish a design space, cost of goods sold, and economics for producing the scaffolds in small lots. Electrospun fiber size, web thickness, pore size, and mechanical properties will be controlled to meet the design specifications of the device. The facility will meet production capacity with varied capability to provide tissue scaffold material for clinical trials at military and civilian sites."
UCDS Unsteady Reaction Model,HQ0147-12-C-7759,DOD,DOD,STTR,2012,2,999946.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 581-6134,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Gary Flandro,Chief Engineer/Vice-President,(931) 393-7217,gary.flandro@gtlcompany.com,"The overall objective of the Phase II effort is to enhance the capability of the UCDS process to simulate and predict the characteristics of combustion instability in propulsion devices, specifically focusing on the propulsion devices used in missile defense applications. GTL shall apply proven techniques to rigorously develop a reaction wave model that is consistent with the rest of the UCDS process. The effort shall also enhance the capability of the UCDS acoustic models to simulate the dynamics in chambers with a catalyst beds, multi-port nozzles, and pintle nozzles. The last part of the effort is focused on validating the UCDS reaction wave and acoustic models examined in this effort. This shall be accomplished by performing a series of experiments that are designed to target the specific physical phenomena addressed by the models. In each case, the UCDS models shall be used to simulate and analyze the configuration of the test system. These predictions shall then be compared to the results of the experiments using the test system. The proposed model enhancement and validation will provide a solid foundation for the application of UCDS technology to MDA systems."
Nonlinear Data Analysis Tool for Scramjets and Other Engines,NNX12CF17P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2012,1,124861.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9315816134,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Eric Jacob,Principal Investigator,9314557333,eric.jacob@gtlcompany.com,"The UCDS process is the result of 50 years of research into combustion instability by the worlds leading scientists and engineers. The breakthroughs that created UCDS have provided a solid analytical foundation upon which tools can be developed and applied. One of these is the UCDS nonlinear tool, which GTL has been applying with much success in the investigations of the dynamics of solid rockets, liquid rockets and turbojets. In the proposed effort, GTL shall enhance this tool in preparation for its application to scramjets and ramjets by incorporating mean flow effects in the acoustic models used in the nonlinear algorithms. Since the Nonlinear Data Analysis Tool (NDAT) shares the same nonlinear algorithm with the UCDS nonlinear tool, this enhancement shall also improve the ability of NDAT to transform nonlinear test data into linear parameters. Taking this to the next step, GTL shall increase the functionality of NDAT by implementing changes to the algorithm that allow it to utilize the data from multiple pressure transducers in the data analysis rather than restricting the tool to the current single data channel. This will be accomplished by developing algorithm routines that use the relative location of the pressure transducers and the intervening acoustic environment to account for the temporal and phase relationships between the data streams. When implemented, these changes will allow NDAT to automatically identify the orientation of the oscillating modes and reduce the nonlinear pressure oscillation data into a clear and concise set of linear parameters. The last part of the Phase I effort will be to examine the role of nonlinear energy dissipation in scramjets in preparation for further refinement in the Phase II effort."
Advanced Flywheel,W31P4Q-13-C-0050,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2012,1,99919.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 455-7333,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Tim Lewis,Vice-president,(858) 259-9509,tim.lewis@gtlcompany.com,"The Advanced FlywheelTM (AF) technology utilizes an innovative configuration in conjunction with modern materials to deliver a flywheel energy storage system with an energy density in excess of 500 W-hr/kg and over 420 W-hr/liter. Using this technology, GTL proposes to develop an FOB scale (150 KWh) system that is capable of delivering 1 Megawatt of power. Based on the anticipated energy density, this 150 KWh system would be approximately 3.0 ft diameter and 2.0 ft tall, weighing 300Kg; which is dramatically smaller than any competing technology. Additionally, AF offers more than 2M cycles and a 20 year operating life with few maintenance requirements and the ability to withstand a broad range of operating temperatures. In the proposed effort, GTL will balance, spin and test an existing rotor developed on a previous DARPA project and demonstrate proof of concept. Should DARPA exercise the optional task, GTL would fabricate and test a magnetic bearing to verify its performance. The results of this effort will be used to determine the maximum performance that can be achieved with this transformational technology."
SMFB Technology,W31P4Q-13-C-0078,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2012,2,999945.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 455-7333,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Vice-President,(951) 304-4086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"In the Phase II effort, GTL will build upon the foundation provided by the Phase I effort to develop a family of SMFB products that can be used by thermoplastic matrix composite (TPMC) developers and manufacturers to efficiently and affordably fuse TPMC components together. The effort will seek to develop several variants of the products that are compatible with popular thermoplastic composites. A small quantity of each of these products will be fabricated and subjected to laboratory verification testing. The products will then be used to fuse together relevant scale TPMC components to demonstrate the functionality of the technology. Following the demonstration, samples of each SMFB product will be delivered to the Army for independent evaluation. At the conclusion of this effort, the Army and TPMC developers will have access to a reliable and affordable means to fusion bond concentric cylinders, while GTL will enter the TPMC bonding marketplace with a series of SMFB products."
A Universal Brain Atlas for Implanting and Managing Deep Brain Stimulators,9R42MH100007-03,HHS,HHS,STTR,2012,2,2699932.00,"NEUROTARGETING, LLC",2408 BLAIR BLVD,,NASHVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Peter E. Konrad,,615-692-1219,peter.konrad@vanderbilt.edu,Peter E. Konrad,,615-343-9822,peter.konrad@vanderbilt.edu,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Deep brain stimulation has risen as a neurosurgical procedure of choice for patients with disabling neurological or psychiatric disorders for its abiliy to modulate improvement in the activity of certain circuits. The procedure is currently approved for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder and is showing promises for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome and depression. However, DBStherapy is currently limited by an incomplete understanding of DBS mechanisms of action due to complexity of the targeted neural circuits, as well as by significant technical issues around the need for precise lead positioning and patient-specific stimulation programming. There is a clinical need and significant commercial opportunity for innovative next-generation DBS systems that provide enhanced targeting, intra-operative guidance and postoperative lead programming. Neurotargeting, LLC has emerged fromthe need to make available to the medical community, a decade of research performed at Vanderbilt, supported by NIH funding and focused on improving and assisting DBS surgery with the help of a universal physiological atlas adapted to each patient undergoing surgery. Neurotargeting has shown the feasibility of this approach during the STTR Phase I. This application is a logical step in moving towards a commercially available solution that addresses the needs of the larger DBS community to facilitate DBS therapy and research. Specifically, this proposed Phase II project is aimed at adapting our prototype system to a fully validated, clinical software solution that, at the end of this project, will be positioned for clincal commercialization. In so doing, Neurotargeting will have made leading-edge research technology available to any patient to improve and advance treatments of significant neurological disorders in the US and global markets. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantrequires precise placement of electrodes deep within the brain and can be challenging to program the device once implanted. Neurotargeting has successfully developed and tested advanced tools and technology that revolutionize the surgery and management strategy of DBS implants through a unique set of software tools linked to a common database known as the CranialVault. We now propose to develop and test a commercially available system that will provide a complete solution to DBS therapy."
Characterization and Application of a Novel Neutron Detection Method to Replace Helium-3 in Advanced Neutron Detectors.,DE-FG02-12ER90294,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2012,1,128019.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,Mr.,865-483-8675,dkopp@ordela.com,Daniel Kopp,Mr.,865-483-8675,dkopp@ordela.com,"Large area neutron detectors with high efficiency, high resolution, high count-rate capability, and fast timing capabilities are required to meet the specific neutron diffraction and imaging needs of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Due to the current shortage of helium-3, recently developed and existing commercial gas detectors using helium-3 as a neutron converter are not a viable option for neutron detector systems at the SNS. As a common alternative for neutron detection, boron-10 lined tubes are gaining credibility. However, for applications in neutron scattering instruments such as at the SNS (where fast timing and high resolution are important considerations), advancements in boron-10 detectors are needed. Studies have shown that gamma sensitivity of boron-10 lined detectors can be reduced significantly by reducing the diameter (or gas volume) of the detector. A small 0.5 cm3 pixel cell detector will have much less gamma sensitivity than a conventional tube detector. By lining the inside of each pixel-cell cube with boron-10, a high efficiency to neutrons can be maintained. Since each pixel-cell is an independent detection volume, the resolution is fixed (by the size of the pixel-cell) and there are no position encoding or parallax issues. Pixel-cell arrays can be combined to form large area detectors to achieve the same active areas and resolution as an array of boron-10 tube detectors without the gamma sensitivity issues or signal timing issues. Small independent cube chambers, or pixel-cells, have been successfully developed and demonstrated as excellent neutron detectors using helium-3. Within the Phase I effort, we will investigate methods of applying a boron-10 layer to the individual chamber walls of an existing pixel-cell area detector (8 cm x 8 cm). The pixel-cell detector will be lined with boron-10 and tested with thermal neutrons at the High Flux Isotope Reactor in Oak Ridge to verify the capabilities of the detector. As a result of the investigation and subsequent testing, techniques will be developed for construction and testing (in Phase II) of a large area (32 cm x 32 cm) position sensitive detector array using boron-10 lined pixel-cells.Commercial Application and Other Benefits: Substantial technical and economical benefits are anticipated from the proposed work here and in future Phase II and III projects. The cost of neutron production and beam time at neutron-scattering facilities is large compared to the cost of improving neutron detection systems. The available neutron flux and spatial resolution capabilities at these facilities could be more fully utilized by removing the limitations imposed on neutron-scattering experiments by the neutron detection systems. Advancing detector capabilities is equivalent to increasing operational efficiency and reduction of experiment beam time at these facilities, which in turn results in important savings in operation cost and increased experimental output."
Thin-Window P-Type Point-Contact Germanium Detectors for Rare Particle Detection 45c,DE-FG02-11ER90091,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2012,2,1000000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"DOE Nuclear Physics low-background rare-particle detection arrays require germanium detectors having the minimum possible background and maximum sensitivity. Larger p-type point-contact germanium detectors having better performance are being experimentally developed through collaboration with DOE low-background researchers. Semiconductor-detector fabrication improvements and electronic-discrimination techniques are being developed to diminish background and improve the sensitivity of these detectors. A new detector-contact technology was developed and demonstrated to have properties providing higher-sensitivity germanium detectors with lower background. The feasibility of the new contact was established through the fabrication, testing, and comparison of numerous detectors with different types of contacts. The thickness of the new contact will be determined and background-rejection techniques will be developed through alpha- particle spectroscopy. Larger germanium detectors will be iteratively developed through the fabrication and testing of subsequently larger detectors. These new detectors will be the product line to be marketed.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to immediate impact at DOE user facilities performing rare-particle detection measurements, the enabling detector-contact technology will impact nuclear security and nuclear medicine. Molecular imaging in nuclear medicine represents the most significant commercial application. From growing germanium crystals to constructing final detector systems, the germanium-detector manufacturing process will always require good scientists, engineers, technicians, and association with research scientists at DOE laboratories."
Innovative Approaches for Predicting Galvanic Effects of Dissimilar Material Interfaces,N00014-11-M-0444,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2012,1,79475.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"President, CEO",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,(615) 372-0299,rtryon@vextec.com,"The Navy incurred approximately $3 billion in aircraft corrosion maintenance costs. Design analysis tools are largely empirical and are derived from physical testing of the basic material specimens, which do not have the capability to account for degradation of these properties due to operational conditions. Corrosion is a time-dependent phenomenon and although there are test methods for accelerating corrosion testing, this does not provide an actual depiction of the field phenomenon of corrosion. Damage is often not fully realized until after years of exposure to the corrosive environment. Our Phase I feasibility proof activities will focus on the adding the prediction of galvanic effects of dissimilar material interfaces to VEXTEC""s already operational material fatigue simulation framework. The Phase I will demonstrate that a computational tool is capable of correctly predicting galvanic corrosion based on the dissimilar material systems, alloy""s microstructure, processing history and operational environment. The methodology and framework developed under the proposed Phase I effort will be mechanistic (and not empirical) in nature and therefore can be readily extended to a variety of material combinations in corrosive environments."
Atmospheric Plasma Processing to Kill Pathogens and Extend Shelf Life of Produce,1R43FD004304-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2012,1,150000.00,"ADVANCED PLASMA PRODUCTS, INC.",231 Sam Rayburn Parkway,,Lenior City,TN,37771-,No,No,No,Kimberly D. Kelly,,(865) 777-3776,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,Kimberly Kelly-wintenberg,,(865) 671-5671,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This SBIR Phase I project will design, build, and test the Atmospheric Plasma Produce Disinfection System (APPDS), an in-line processing unit that will operate continuously to treat fresh produce. The APPDS will reducethe risk of foodborne infections by neutralizing pathogens, while decreasing microbial spoilage, preserving the organoleptic properties and nutritional quality of the produce while avoiding the deposit of unwanted by-products. The proposed development willleverage several years of RandD concerning the application of atmospheric plasma to the destruction of infectious agents, including preliminary investigation into the efficacy of the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma in disinfecting fresh produce. In this Phase I effort, an inline plasma processing system will be developed to continuously treat several different types of fresh fruits and vegetables. Investigations into plasma power, number and orientation of plasma generators, temperature, humidity and treatment time will optimize the APDDS. Pathogen reduction of at least 4 logs and shelf life extension will be studied as well as any modifications o the nutritional content of plasma treated fruit and vegetable samples. It is estimated that totalcosts of foodborne illness in the United States is 152 billion annually, with 39 billion attributd to produce. CDC estimates that 1 out of 6 Americans gets sick each year, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases and 25% of those cases are due to contaminated fresh produce. There is an overwhelming need to develop technologies that will reduce spoilage and reduce the number of pathogens on fresh produce without altering taste or nutrition. Reduction of post harvest losses would translate into a reduction in the cost of production, trade and distribution and reduce the price for consumers. An additional benefit would be to make available fresh, healthy, and more economically-priced, minimally-processed fruits and vegetables for all. It is well known that fruits and vegetables are nutritionally necessary, and are the cornerstone of a healthful diet, offering great benefits to public health such as fighting obesity. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: There is an overwhelming need to develop technologies that will reduce spoilage and reduce the number of pathogens on fresh produce without altering taste or nutrition. An added benefit would be to make available fresh, healthy, and more economically-priced, minimally-processed fruits and vegetables for all since fruits and vegetables are nutritionally necessary, and are the cornerstone of a healthful diet, offering great benefits to public health such as fighting obesity. APP is developing the Atmospheric Plasma Produce Disinfection System (APPDS), an inline processor to continuously treat fresh produce to minimize food borne illness outbreaks and increase shelf life by reducing the number of pathogen and spoilage organisms."
Germanium Gamma Cameras,4R44EB015889-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2012,2,977204.00,PHDS COMPANY,"777 EMORY VALLEY RD, STE B",,OAK RIDGE,TN,-,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Germanium gamma-ray imaging detectors will improve the quality of in-vivo molecular-imaging applications. The objective of this program is the development of the Germanium Gamma Cameras (GGCs) as modular component detector heads suitable for convenient integration into the molecular-imaging systems of other companies and research groups for small field-of-view SPECT and planar imaging applications, such as preclinical imaging and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. The Germanium Gamma Cameras will be iteratively developed through the fabrication and optimization of numerous GGC prototypes. The GGC prototypes will be incrementally evolved by modifying the geometry, optimizing the spatial resolution, and increasing the size of our existing imaging germanium-detector product line. The fast-track SBIR mechanism has been selected because of the advanced starting point provided by the technical success of our existing systems and the relatively well defined geometric constraints associated with small field-of-view imaging applications. By the end of Phase II, the capacity will exist to manufacture and sell modest numbers of GGCs to companies and research groups. At such time, Phase-III commercialization partnerships will be formed andcapital will be raised for larger-scale production of GGCs for specific high-resolution small field-of-view molecular-imaging applications. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Germanium Gamma Camera detector heads will be developed as components for high-resolution medical-imaging systems for diagnosing cancer in humans and studying animal models in cancer research. Germanium Gamma Cameras will improve diagnosis and research resulting in better health care at lower cost."
"Reducing Stroke by a Novel, Clot-dissolving Antibody",4U44NS073147-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2012,2,2999979.00,"TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES, INC.",1840 Overton Park Avenue,,Memphis,TN,-,No,No,No,Elixabeth Reed,,901-274-4506,delizabethreed@translationalsciences.com,Paul H. Kussie,,901-274-4506,pkussie@translationalsciences.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death and the primary cause of severe, long term disability. Each year 795,000 Americans have a stroke and the annual costs to the economy are 57.9 billion. The vast majority of acute ischemic strokes are caused by a thrombus (blood clot) which occludes the blood vessel and stops blood flow to the brain. Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), an agent that catalyzes the dissolution of blood clots, is the only effective, FDA-approved treatment for ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, TPA is associated with significant risks, delays in treatment, and is unsuccessful in up to 70% of patients at dissolving blood clots in sufficient time to protect the brain. There is a need for a safer, more effective therapy that facilitates early treatment, saves lives, reduces disability and lowers health care costs. In pre-clinical studies, we have shown that these goals might be achieved by a molecule that inactivates the major inhibitor of plasmin and, dissolves clots through a unique mechanism that avoids the risk of hemorrhage and neurotoxicity associated with TPA therapy. Following FDA guidance, we converted this molecule into a biologic drug candidate for stroke (stromab) that potently accelerates the dissolution of human clots. The goal of this Fast Track application is to move stromab further towards human trials by following FDA guidance to: 1) determine the optimal formulation and therapeutic time window for treatment, 2) produce and purify stromab under GLP conditions, 3) investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of stromab and, 4) submit an IND to the FDA."
Novel Methods for Dissolving Blood Clots,2R42HL092750-02,HHS,HHS,STTR,2012,2,1519440.00,"TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES, INC.",1840 Overton Park Avenue,,Memphis,TN,-,No,No,No,Elixabeth Reed,,706-421-3355,delizabethreed@translationalsciences.com,Guy L. Reed,,617-432-4992,glreed@translationalsciences.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Each year, as many as 2 million Americans develop venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTEs are blood clots in the legs (venous thrombosis) that may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is estimated that 10-20% of VTEpatients die, and the annual direct costs are up to 10 billion. Despite advances in diagnosis and prophylaxis, anticoagulation, a 50-year-old therapy, remains the most commonly used treatment for venous thromboembolism. The drawbacks of anticoagulation include the following: 1) it does not dissolve existing clots or thrombi; 2) up to 50% of patients develop post-thrombotic symptoms (pain, swelling, chronic sores); 3) it is linked to recurrent venous thromboembolism in up to 30% of patients; 4) it has significant bleeding risk; and 5) it has never been shown to save lives in a randomized clinical trial. Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) and other blood clot-dissolving drugs are better at preventing post-thrombotic symptoms, but the high doses used are: 1)only partially successful at dissolving blood clots; 2) significantly increase bleeding risks and, 3) do not reduce mortality. It is clear that there is a need for a safer, more-effective therapy that savs lives, reduces disability, and lowers health carecosts associated with venous thromboembolism. Through our successful completion of the Phase I portion of this multi-phase STTR study, we (Translational Sciences, Inc. [TSI]) have discovered a molecule that dissolves blood clots through a unique mechanism-inactivating the major inhibitor of plasmin. Through synergism, this molecule increases the potency and specificity of TPA, and it avoids TPA-related hemorrhage and neurotoxicity. TSI's extensive pre- clinical studies indicate that this novel approach could substantially reduce the morbidity, mortality and costs associated with VTE. In our Phase I STTR feasibility studies, we successfully converted this molecule, following FDA guidance, into a clot-dissolving biologic therapeutic (Lysimab) suitable for investigation in clinical trials. The Phase II STTR goal is to significantly advance Lysimab toward human trials by: 1) determining optimal (safe/effective) therapeutic dose combinations of Lysimab and TPA in vivo in a humanized model of pulmonary embolism;2) producing and purifying 10 g of Lysimab under GMP conditions, 3) investigating the tissue binding, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Lysimab, and 4) submitting an IND to the FDA. This work will be carried out with TSI's Phase II STTR partner, the University of Wisconsin. We will leverage our substantial pre-clinical data to form a strategic alliance with a big pharma partner with the clinical, regulatory and financial resources needed to conduct clinical trials for FDA approval of Lysimab.We project that a combination TPA/a2AP-I therapy could lead to the survival of an additional 17,000-36,000 patients per year and gt50% reduction in post-thrombotic symptoms and their associated costs. Upon completion of this Phase II project and transferof commercialization responsibilities to our strategic partner, TSI will investigate the potential benefits of this platform technology to heart and stroke victims. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Each year, as many as 2 million Americans develop venousthromboembolism (VTE), and the annual direct costs are up to 10 billion. Yet, despite advances in diagnosis and prophylaxis, anticoagulation, a 50-year-old therapy, remains widely used for VTE treatment despite the fact that it does not dissolve clots, itis associated with serious side-effects and, it has never been shown to save lives in a randomized clinical trial. This multi- phase STTR project seeks to develop a novel VTE therapy that could markedly reduce death, disability, and billions of dollars indirect and indirect VTE-related costs."
Dynamically Controlled Electric Demand Management System,DE-FG02-11ER90010,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2012,2,1000000.00,"Enhanced Systems Consulting, Inc.",3201 Hanover Road,,Johnson City,TN,37604-1463,No,No,No,Matthew B. Bolton,Mr.,423-207-4660,mbbolton@enhancedsystems.com,Matthew Bolton,Mr.,423-207-4660,mbbolton@enhancedsystems.com,"The variation between peak and off-peak electricity demand fluctuates up to 70 percent over the course of a 24 hour cycle. This degree of variability is a driver for costly inefficiencies within the power gridto prevent blackouts and meet customer demandas well as power sell offs to consume excess generation available during off-peak hours. Projections estimate the power demand to double by 2050 resulting in an estimated 1.5 trillion dollars in infrastructural updates. Projected growth in the scale of energy consumption mandates a more efficient solution to meet peak demand and consume excess generation capacity during non-peak cycles. The solution incorporates a systematic software system for managing voltage and demand in real-time while adjusting the necessary devices on the network to manage and accommodate the actual current load on the grid. The collective goal of the DCEDMS project is to provide a state- based control system that will monitor and manage devices within the distribution network for optimal efficiency and responsiveness. This solution is the only software that addresses the supply side (generation) as well as demand side (consumption) in a unified decision model. The software was tested with 1,200 water heaters and 73 capacitors in an existing network, and the software demonstrates the capacity to monitor voltage readings throughout the network in real-time while independently monitoring and controlling water heaters and capacitors. Phase I testing was extremely successful, and Bristol Tennessee Essential Services is realizing over $1.75 million in annual savings as the result of the DCEDMS. Energy savings derived from the capacitor control program averages 9.3 MW per day. The Carina water heater component (1,200 water heaters) shifts an average 2.75 MW per day from peak to off-peak times. Phase II objectives focus on developing a solution that is scalable, secure and sustainable. Critical milestones of the Phase II research effort include completing the solution implementation at BTES, packaging the DCEDMS for distribution to a second customer and developing additional device capacity to enhance the scalable impact of the system. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: DCEDMS shifts load to off-peak hours and minimizes loss over transmission thereby reducing the requirements for additional generation capacity. These factors result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increased stability of the current grid infrastructure. DCEDMS is the ideal controller for managing the sustainable smart grid solution."
Preclinical Development of a New Drug for Treating Anemia of Chronic Inflammation,1R41AG043342-01,HHS,HHS,STTR,2012,1,246084.00,Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.,"2525 WEST END AVE, STE 950",,NASHVILLE,TN,37203-,No,No,No,Diane S. Keeney,,615-938-7054,dkeeney@cumberlandpharma.com,Adam N. Goldfarb,,434-982-0593,ang3x@virginia.edu,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A strong unmet need exists to develop new treatments for anemias associated with chronic disease states, collectively referred to as anemia of chronic inflammation (ACI). ACI is highly prevalent in the U.S. and makes alarge contribution to public morbidity and mortality. Despite billions of dollars spent annually to treat ACI patients, current therapies lack efficacy in many patients and cause potentially serious adverse effects. The mechanism for ACI involves inflammatory cytokines acting to inhibit marrow production of red cells, primarily by two interdependent pathways: (1) blocking iron transfer from macrophages to erythroid precursors (iron restriction) and (2) acting directly on the erythroid precursors to transmit inhibitory signals. Iron restriction potently sensitizes erythroid progenitors to the direct inhibitory effects of the inflammatory cytokines. Clinically, high-dose intravenous iron infusions can ameliorate anemia in ACI patients. We are developing a safe and efficacious therapy to correct anemia in these patients based on our discovery that the aconitase enzyme product, namely isocitrate, functions as a second messenger mediating iron's signal to stimulate erythropoiesis. We established the clinical utility by showing that exogenous isocitrate provided to erythroid progenitors in vitro abrogates the inhibitory effects of iron restriction and restores resistance to inflammatory cytokines. To establish clinical feasibility an commercial potential, we propose to study isocitrate's effects in the principal animal model for ACI, rats with experimentally induced chronic autoimmune arthritis. We aim to demonstrate proof-of-concept for our novel isocitrate technology by: (1) demonstrating isocitrate's curative efficacy in ACI rats using a dosing regimen per intended clinical use; (2) measuring physiological effects of isocitrate therapy on functional biomarkers of erythropoiesis to demonstrate isocitrate is effective; and (3) measuring serum biomarkers and assessing organs at necropsy for signs of systemic toxicity to demonstrate isocitrate is safe. The isocitrate technology was invented at the University of Virginia. The scientific investigators/inventors, in collaboration with Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. andaffiliates, are developing isocitrate as a new drug product for intravenous injection or oral dosage form to correct anemia in ACI patients. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Millions of people with lifelong diseases, for example those involving the kidney or cancers also have anemia. Current treatments for this type of anemia (known as anemia of chronic inflammation) are risky, expensive, and ineffective for some patient populations. In the proposed studies, we will study a new drug candidate for anemiaof chronic inflammation and demonstrate that it safe and effective in an animal model relevant to the human disease."
Metadata assisted Management of Diabetes in Rural Health Disparity Communities,2012-00086,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2012,1,99832.00,"AUTOMATED MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS, LLC",6415 RIVER TIDE DRIVE,,Memphis,TN,38120-2601,No,No,No,Ed Chaum,Chief Medical Officer,901-448-3638,echaum@hubbletelemedical.com,Derek Austin,Director,865-566-3912,daustin@hubbletelemedical.com,"Diabetes is an epidemic disease in the United States and accounts for 15% of all US healthcare costs. The rural Mississippi Delta region is statistically at the epicenter of the negative trends in the health and has the highest prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the nation. Low health literacy and limited access to healthcare resources are critical socioeconomic barriers to those patients at the greatest risk for complications of diabetes, and are not met by current healthcare delivery models. As an emerging technology, telemedicine is an efficient, cost-effective way to deliver healthcare services to rural, health disparity communities. Hubble Telemedical currently provides remote management of diabetic retinopathy in the Delta and elsewhere using images acquired in the primary care setting through its award winning TRIAD Network. This proposal leverages an ongoing partnership with the Delta Health Alliance (Stoneville, MS) to implement a translational, population-based diabetes management program in the Delta. The goal of this Phase I study is to leverage our expertise in medical data networking and analysis to employ a proprietary web-based software interface with DHA electronic health records and test the feasibility of using automated clinical metadata analysis to identify and more effectively manage those children and adults at highest risk for the complications of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and obesity due to poor health care compliance, blood sugar control, and co-morbidity. Our ultimate goal is to target these high risk patients for medical and behavioral intervention in a cost-effective approach to improving health outcomes in rural America."
Thermographic Phosphors in Improved Thermal Management of Fossil Fuel Power Plants,DE-FG02-12ER86535,DOE,DOE,STTR,2012,1,150000.00,EMCO INC.,1813 CHESTNUT GROVE RD,,KNOXVILLE,TN,37932-1914,No,No,No,David Beshears,Mr.,865-765-3864,dbeshears@charter.net,Stephen Allison,Dr.,865-256-5485,allisonsw@ornl.gov,"Operating fossil fuel power plants at maximum efficiency requires high temperature measurements with sufficient accuracy to allow operation at optimum temperatures. Even a few degrees can reduce plant efficiency significantly. To operate with minimum downtime requires temperature measurement with sensors that have stable characteristics, not requiring frequent calibration. Thermographic phosphor temperature sensing meets both these important requirements Phosphor thermometry (PT) is a well-established high temperature (1500oC) experimental method with significant benefits for fossil fuel power plants. A low-cost, durable, compact PT measurement module will be developed that has superior measurement precision with low long-term drift and can be incorporated into measurement networks and control instrumentation in fossil fuel plants. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: The TP thermometer can be used in all types of power generating facilities where it is desirable to measure high temperatures accurately with long term stability. PT sensors can also benefit other industrial processes that use heating or cooling, such as petroleum refining. PT systems can be applied to improve jet turbine engines and rocket systems for defense applications. They can provide temperature monitoring in a variety of vehicles and portable power units where temperature stability, wide range, accuracy, and electromagnetic immunity are needed"
High-Temperature Microsample Testing System,FA8650-11-M-5179,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2012,1,150000.00,"Nanomechanics, Inc.",105 Meco Lane,Suite 100,Oak Ridge,TN,-,No,No,No,John Swindeman,CEO,(865) 978-6490,john.swindeman@nanomechanicsinc.com,Warren Oliver,President,(865) 978-6490,warren.oliver@nanomechanicsinc.com,"ABSTRACT: There has been growing interest in nano- and micro-scale testing of materials at increasingly elevated temperatures. However technological obstacles have limited the range of materials that can be tested and limited the temperatures that can be successfully reached for experimentation due to oxidation of the sample, thermal drift in the actuation and heat management of the system. For this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project,""High-Temperature Microsample Testing System,""Nanomechanics Inc. (NMI) proposes to complete a conceptual design for a high-temperature microsample test system that can function in both tension and compression for samples from 500 degrees C to 1100 degrees C, with the purpose of completing a prototype of the system in Phase II. BENEFIT: The technology developed from this project will open up a new testing regime for those involved in micro- and nano-mechanical testing. High temperature, in situ testing will be possible for temperatures up to 1100 Celsius for nanoindentation experiments, as well as other microsample experiments such as tensile testing."
SBIR Phase I: Development Of A Novel Composite Material Based On Monodisperse Glass Microspheres For Thermal Neutron Scintillation Detectors,1045836,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2011,1,149961.00,Nucsafe,601 Oak Ridge Turnpike,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-7040,No,No,No,Kenneth Weston,PhD,8654258917,kweston@nucsafe.com,Kenneth Weston,,8654258917,kweston@nucsafe.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the technology needed for high performance neutron detectors that use Ce3+ activated 6Li glass in the form of monodisperse microspheres with strategically controlled dimensions and architecture. Current Ce3+/6Li glass scintillator technology has the potential to produce neutron detectors that are extremely sensitive, rugged, flexible in design geometry, have a large dynamic range (background to 10 Mcps), and do not contain toxic or regulated materials, but the glass also scintillates in response to gamma radiation, which is problematic since it can cause unacceptably high false neutron alarms. The proposed material to be developed will have significantly lower gamma sensitivity as compared to the bulk glass or optical fibers and will lead to a transformational impact on the performance that can be achieved as compared to existing neutron detection systems. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project includes filling a market need that is vitally important for the security of vulnerable nuclear weapons and materials, and for the prevention of illicit trafficking of these materials. The effectiveness of detection systems at high-risk border crossings, airports and seaports, as well as at nuclear weapons and components storage locations and research reactors, will be improved. Since neutrons are not emitted by most radionuclides used for medical or industrial purposes, the detection of neutrons is usually an unambiguous indicator of the presence of special nuclear materials (SNMs). Because the vast majority of neutron detection systems in existence today rely on 3He proportional counters and there is currently a global shortage of 3He, a suitable alternative neutron detection technology is urgently needed."
CNT Based Microstrip Plasma Limiter,HQ0147-11-C-7651,DOD,MDA,STTR,2011,1,99967.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger D. Bailey,CFO,(423) 894-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,pkrueger@accurate-automation.com,Accurate Automation Corporation will develop a carbon nanotube based microstrip plasma limiter suitable for inclusion on RF printed circuit boards used on the front-end of an X-Band phased-array receiver. This device will capitalize on the ability to use carbon nanotubes to reduce the size and cost of an RF limiter while dramatically increasing the performance. Specific attention will be focused on improving the performance of these devices for military applications to separate them from the commercial carbon nanotube based limiter products that will be available as a result of this development.
"Common-Control, Unmanned Vehicle Trainer",N68335-11-C-0355,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,79999.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,(423) 894-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will develop a low-cost trainer based on PC technology. The objective is to provide the U.S. Navy with the ability to readily train personnel to operate unmanned vehicle systems when high-cost training systems and actual control systems are in short supply. This trainer will incorporate 1) a reconfigurable Graphical User Interface (GUI) to simulate the target control station(s), 2) existing simulation tools to provide a realistic representation of the target vehicle, 3) common control and an open networking architecture to provide flexibility and to facilitate future growth, 4) a behavioral Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine, and 5) and video-conferencing tools to provide a good, low-cost training solution. During Phase I, we will plan the development of the system and work with the customer to prioritize our focus on particular features and capabilities. This plan will lead to the development of a prototype training system that covers the Tier 1-3 fixed-wing vehicles, using commercial-grade hardware and basic graphical representations, but with appropriately realistic underlying scenarios and simulations. The result will be that an operator who has been trained with AAC""s product will require substantially less training with high-cost trainers or the targeted real control stations."
Virtual Machine Technologies for Intelligence and Warfighting Applications,W15P7T-11-C-A616,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,66790.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,(423) 894-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will deliver a Virtual Machine (VM) solution to the U.S. Army, leveraging the advantages of this technology to meet the unique needs of this information-centric, warfighting organization. AAC will consolidate an existing set of server applications, migrating the system to more practical hardware while maintaining all system functions. Advanced VM capabilities will be developed to enable hot swapping and traffic management under strict performance requirements. This technology will benefit the DCGS-A, JUMPS, and similar C4ISR-related programs."
Direct Optical Modulation of HVDC on an RF Transmission Line,W9113M-11-C-0046,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,99986.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,(423) 894-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,pkrueger@accurate-automation.com,Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to develop a system design for a self-contained missile launchable RF Generator based on a frozen wave transmission line technique. The RF transmission line will be charged through an optically activated switch fabricate from silicon carbide. A high energy pulsed laser with an electronic timing control will connect to the switch via an optical fiber. A high voltage series resonant DC supply will provide the charge for the transmission line. Battery power will be used as the prime power supply for the laser and DC source.
Time Variation of Workflow Processes to Confound Enemy Proactivity,W15P7T-11-C-A810,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,2,729926.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,(423) 894-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) proposes to develop two useful software tools for the Distributed Common Ground Control Station (DCGS). These tools will help the analyst build more useful products for her customers. AAC will address opportunities for growth within the spectrum of DCGS capabilities. First, AAC will develop a software tool to aid multi-intelligence Verification and Validation (V & V). Second, AAC will address issues of behavioral predictability by applying a novel method that we developed during Phase I. This second tool will 1) identify predictors within enemy behavior, and 2) allow the analyst to assist battlefield planners with eliminating predictability from their Courses of Action (COA). The V & V tool will focus on the PRODUCE step of the intelligence process and the cryptic behavior analysis tool will focus on the ANALYZE step. These tools will support situational understanding and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) at the middle to lower echelons by integrating organic and local intelligence sources. Both tools are responses to battlefield commanders""requests for intelligence systems that work despite connectivity losses to higher echelons and to distant databases. To this end, AAC will host the tools on a Basic Analyst""s Laptop (BAL) and will perform a demonstration using a small unmanned vehicle as an organic data source."
High Power Laser Triggered Carbon Nanotube Switch,W9113M-11-C-0035,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,2,599999.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,(423) 894-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,pkrueger@accurate-automation.com,Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to develop a high power switch with a laser trigger to minimize pulse-to-pulse jitter. The switch will incorporate carbon nanotube electrodes for long life and high current capacity. The initial design of the switch will provide switching of up to 25 kV DC. The integral control of the switch will allow multiple switches to be triggered simultaneously or in a specific phased time sequence.
In-Flight and Pre-Flight Detection of Pitot Tube Anomalies,NNX11CA41C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2011,2,599904.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Business Official,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Bradley L. Orme,Principal Investigator,8656911756,brad@ams-corp.com,"The health and integrity of aircraft sensors play a critical role in aviation safety. Unfortunately, inaccurate or false readings from these sensors can lead to improper decision-making resulting in serious and sometimes fatal consequences. The research performed in Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of using advanced data analysis techniques to identify anomalies in Pitot tubes resulting from blockage such as icing, moisture, or foreign objects. The core technology used in this project is referred to as ""noise analysis"" since it relates a sensor's response time to the dynamic component (noise) found in the signal of these same sensors. This analysis technique has used existing electrical signals of Pitot tube sensors that result from measured processes during in-flight conditions and/or induced signals in pre-flight conditions to detect anomalies in the sensor readings.AMS has routinely used this technology to determine the health of pressure transmitters in nuclear power plants. The application of this technology for the detection of aircraft anomalies is innovative in that instead of determining the health of process monitoring at a steady state condition, this technology will be used to quickly inform the pilot when an air speed indication becomes faulty under any flight condition as well as during pre-flight preparation."
Autonomus I&C Maintenance and Health Monitoring System for Fission Surface Power,NNX11CA79C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2011,2,599869.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Business Official,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Brent D. Shumaker,Principal Investigator,8656911756,bshumaker@ams-corp.com,"The primary goal of this project is to design and develop an autonomous instrumentation and control (I & C) health monitoring system for space nuclear power applications. The system, once fully developed, will be able to detect system anomalies based on analytical modeling technique using data from existing sensors in the power generator.The primary application for the proposed technology will be with space nuclear reactors and the non-nuclear test systems that are being used for component and system level validation."
Rod Control System On-Line Condition Monitoring and Advanced Diagnostics for Existing and Next Generation Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-11ER90019,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2011,1,149752.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Dr.,865-691-1756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Samuel D. Caylor,Mr.,865-691-1756,sam@ams-corp.com,"A Light Water Reactor (LWR) is equipped with control and shutdown rods that are inserted into and withdrawn from the core to control the power level in the reactor. The positioning of the control and shutdown rods is performed via the plants rod control system, which in a typical Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) includes a number of subsystems and components such as the Control Rod Drive Mechanism (CRDM), power regulation circuitry, and control logic electronics. These rod control systems have provided safe and reliable service in nuclear power stations worldwide for over 30 years; however, aging and obsolescence issues have led to problems with the systems including regulation card, firing card, and power supply failures as well as cable connection problems that have resulted in unplanned outages. These issues, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the industry to actively seek viable options to monitor the health of these rod control systems in order to ensure reliable plant operation for decades to come. In addition to obsolescence concerns, the lack of diagnostic capabilities in the rod control system is a significant problem. Moreover, reactor operators typically clear alarms before engineering personnel can be informed, which eliminate the diagnostic information from the system. This leaves the systems engineer with little direction to begin troubleshooting activities. As such, CRDM and rod control component failures can occur without warning, which can lead to increased costs for the plant, especially if the cause of the failure is not readily apparent and/or replacement parts cannot be requisitioned in a timely manner. As such, the objective of this project is to conduct a research and development effort to design, implement and demonstrate an on-line rod control condition monitoring and diagnostic system for existing and new nuclear power reactors."
Integrated System for Management of Cable Aging in Support of Long Life Operation of Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-10ER85822,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2011,2,999358.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Greg W. Morton,MR.,8656911756,gmorton@ams-corp.com,"As the existing fleet of US nuclear power plants pass midlife, the aging condition of safety related systems, structures, and components (SSCs) becomes increasingly important. Electrical cables, including those used for instrumentation and control, are vital for safety related systems and problems related to these cables are often difficult to diagnose. The health of these cables and the reliability of their signal transmissions are affected by the aging condition of cable insulation, jacket material, conductors, and connectors. Thus, the ability to detect the location of cable degradation is an important part of preventing cable related system failures. Fortunately, most if not all cable degradation can be detected prior to failure through baseline cable condition measurements and follow-on testing. As such, the objective of this Phase II project is to conduct a research and development effort to design, develop, validate, and implement an integrated cable condition monitoring system for nuclear power reactors. Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation (AMS) successfully completed the Phase I portion of this research project by establishing the feasibility of integrating advanced cable diagnostic capabilities into a single portable cable maintenance test package. This conceptual design developed in Phase I will be brought to life in Phase II by developing a fully functional prototype system and demonstrating it in the two U.S. nuclear power plants which have already agreed to be the test beds for this research project. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The final commercialization of this research effort will result in successfully addressing a concern that will improve plant operations, improve plant safety and reliability, and ultimately result in lower operating costs. AMS has received wide support from the many nuclear power plants that were included in a recent nuclear industry survey conducted by AMS which has given us confidence in the ultimate commercial success of the end product of this research."
Prognostic Methods for Predicting Remaining Useful Life of Nuclear Plant Equipment and Components,DE-FG02-10ER85823,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2011,2,999389.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Brent D. Shumaker,Mr.,8656911756,shumaker@ams-corp.com,"Although nuclear power plants have provided a reliable source of power for the U.S. over the last four decades, unexpected equipment failures have resulted in losses of power production and millions of dollars of revenue, which may have been avoided if the warning signs of impending failures had been recognized. Likewise, utilities have spent millions of dollars and lost countless days of power production replacing equipment and components that showed no signs of degradation, yet had reached the end of the manufacturers specified design life. These types of problems and resource inefficiencies have prompted the nuclear industry to explore alternatives to traditional time-based maintenance practices in favor of condition-based maintenance strategies that employ advanced surveillance, diagnostic, and prognostic techniques. The area of prognostics, which concerns methodologies for predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of equipment and components, has only recently been given consideration by research organizations and other experts as a promising technology for the nuclear industry. The work for this Phase II project proposes to expand the research in prognostic technologies and demonstrate its application in nuclear power plants. This goal will be accomplished in this project by developing and validating practical prognostics tools in terms of algorithms and software products for RUL estimation of selected nuclear power plant equipment. The Phase I successfully established the feasibility of using prognostics for nuclear plant equipment and components through hands-on laboratory work, prototype software development, and industry research. Nuclear plant applications were also identified that would be amenable to the use of prognostics. Additionally, partnerships were formed with a number of nuclear utilities to allow for implementation and demonstration of these technologies in a Phase II effort. This R & amp;D project will employ a comprehensive, hands-on approach required to move prognostics in the nuclear industry from feasibility towards full commercialization. This project will have four primary goals to include: 1) identify critical components and systems in nuclear power plants that are most immediately amenable to the use of prognostics, 2) develop software modules that integrate a variety of prognostic methods for estimating system RUL, 3) validate the prognostic methods with plant and/or laboratory data, and 4) demonstrate the application of prognostics in the asset lifecycle management practices currently employed in the nuclear power industry. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The product of this work has immediate application in all operating nuclear plants both in the U.S. and worldwide. Products that can accurately determine the RUL of equipment and components would be of immediate benefit for predictive maintenance in all industrial processes."
High Reliability Cryogenic Piezoelectric Valve Actuator,NNX11CB52C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2011,2,599999.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer D. Sturgis,Accounting&Contracts Manager,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Principal Investigator,6156156665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Cryogenic fluid valves are subject to harsh exposure and actuators to drive these valves require robust performance and high reliability. DSM's piezoelectric actuators offer advantages over traditional alternative actuator technology. However, in order to use piezoceramic actuators in cryogenic fluid handling applications, proof of operational reliability and improvements in thermal neutral response are required. During the Phase I, DSM experienced great successes and found multiple compelling reasons to continue into Phase II. Particular successes include: gaining access to a new piezoceramic material with superior cryogenic performance, demonstrating a flight-like vibration test survivability level for a small actuator sample set, and, development of a novel composite actuator with excellent neutral thermal response. The outcome of the Phase I yields multiple compelling reasons to continue into Phase 2. The potential for application of this actuator technology to cryogenic fluid valves is substantial with interested NASA advisors at NASA JSC, MSFC, and GRC."
Parallel Kinematic Actuator with Reduced Size and Improved Performance,W81XWH-10-C-0187,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2011,2,749998.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer D. Sturgis,Accounting&Contracts Ma,(615) 595-6665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,(615) 595-6665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Applications for ultrasound are expanding beyond medical imaging to include new functionality, with the potential to halt internal bleeding or provide an alternative to manual suturing. These types of functions are suited to a surgical robot, offering the potential for tele-operation or even autonomous functionality. However, the requirements for positioning an ultrasound device are different than those for a typical surgical robot. Dynamic Structures and Materials has begun research on an end-effector that will use parallel kinematics and force feedback to make an actuator that is""actively compliant"". The current progress is described, along with plans for further development. When completed, the end-effector will be fixed to the end of a conventional articulated robot. Using its high bandwidth in six axes of motion and force feedback, the end-effector will be able to correct for compliance and shifts in the position of the patient. Thus, controlled contact can be maintained between the ultrasound device and the patient, allowing for proper function of the device."
Non-Inductive Control Surface Actuator,N00014-11-C-0418,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2011,2,749990.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer Sturgis,Accounting&Contracts Ma,(615) 595-6665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,(615) 595-6665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"DSM demonstrated an inexpensive, non-inductive actuation mechanism that can be used in a canard actuation system (CAS) without adding noise or bias to the measurements of onboard magnetometers during guidance and fuzing operations of miniaturized precision munitions. The Piezo actuator based Phase I prototype met program specifications and is ready for a Phase II opportunity."
High Power Rotary Actuator for Kinetic Energy Weapons,D11PC20159,DOD,SOCOM,SBIR,2011,2,700126.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer Sturgis,Accounting&Contracts Ma,(615) 595-6665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,(615) 595-6665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM) proposes the design and development of a high power rotary piezoelectric driven actuator for optical assemblies for kinetic energy weapons. The proposed design uses an ultrasonic piezo ring motor to provide torque and speed. The simplicity of the design allows for very high actuation frequencies without excitation of undesirable modes, producing smooth and quiet motion through the range of travel. The motor also provides high resolution control authority of less than 0.001""and nearly instantaneous stroke without the windup or backlash found in traditional geared electromagnetic or hydraulic/pneumatic actuation technologies. Development of an electronics driver that requires minimal space and little or no power during hard-over or holding maneuvers is also proposed."
Manufacturing Development of Biomimetic Tissue Engineering Scaffolds,W81XWH-11-C-0022,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,70000.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Deana Scoggins,Controller,(423) 267-6266,dgarrison@eSpintechnologies.com,Jayesh Doshi,President,(423) 267-6266,jdoshi@eSpintechnologies.com,"In the last decade, researchers have investigated nanofiber based medical vehicles for various biomedical applications. The challenge is to produce nanofiber vehicles outside laboratory environment for clinical trial. This proposed effort is targeted at developing a cGMP compliant prototype process to demonstrate manufacturing of tissue scaffold. During PhaseI, an innovative scaffold will be made using an electrospinning process from biodegradable polymer. The scaffold will be manufactured to meet the design specifications pertaining to applications like bone regeneration, grafts, among other applications. Electrospun fibersize, web thickness, pore size, and mechanical properties will be controlled to meet design specs. An innovative sterilization method will be developed to make these scaffold sterile. During the OPTION phase, we will develop design specification for pilot machine, develop a cost model covering material, manufacturing, and return on investment for capital investment in the pilot line. The model will provide material cost during clinical trial phase. Additionally, data would be gathered for device master file and packaging methodology will be investigated for packing and shipping of tissue scaffold. The END game is to have a facility to meet the production capacity with varied capability to provide tissue scaffold material for clinical trial at military and civilian sites."
Trimer-Tag: A Technology for Producing Trivalent Biologics,1R43AI091286-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,1,224700.00,GENHUNTER CORPORATION,"624 GRASSMERE PARK DR, STE 17",,NASHVILLE,TN,37211-3671,No,No,No,Jonathan Meade,,615-833-0665,JMeade@genhunter.com,Peng Liang,,615-936-2182,PLiang@genhunter.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): One of the modern strategies for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis involves the use of biologic TNF receptor decoys, such as soluble receptors or therapeutic antibodies, to intercept the inflammatory ligand TNF-1, and thus block the pathological activation of its receptors. However, current TNF-1 biologic blockers are all dimeric in structure, whereas TNF-1 itself is homotrimeric in nature. From a structural biology point of view, ahomodimeric structure with a two-fold symmetry cannot perfectly dock to a homotrimeric structure with a three-fold symmetry, thus limiting the affinity between the two molecules. Here we describe a general methodology for efficient creation of trimeric soluble receptors as secreted proteins. The process involves gene fusion between a soluble receptor with a ligand binding domain or any biologically active protein and a trimerization tag from the C-propeptide domain of pro-collagen (Trimer-Tag), which is capable of self-assembly into a disulfide bond-linked trimer. We show that the homotrimeric soluble TNF receptor produced with such method is a more potent blocker than dimeric TNF receptor decoys in inhibiting TNF- 1 signaling in vitro. Moreover, we have also demonstrated that covalently strengthened homotrimeric TRAIL/Apo2L-Trimer ligand is a potent anticancer agent, in contrast to its dimeric Fc fusion counterpart. Thus, Trimer-Tag has the potential to become a new platform technology for rational design ofthe next generation biologic drugs against autoimmune diseases, cancer, AIDS, osteoporosis, and heart disease. In this Phase I SBIR application, we seek to significantly increase the expression level and optimize the purification scheme of these recombinant trimeric fusion proteins in the hope that this novel technology, which is covered by 3 U.S. patents, can quickly move from preclinical stage towards the bedsides of millions of patients. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This Phase I SBIR application seeks to further optimize and streamline a newly patented protein trimerization technology for the design and production of secreted therapeutic biologics targeting major diseases such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, AIDS, osteoporosis, and heart disease."
UCDS Based Stable Injector Design,NNX11CA73C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2011,2,599710.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,Principal Investigator,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"History has repeatedly shown that combustion instability is the greatest technical risk faced in any chemical propulsion development program. The UCDS Process addresses this issue by using a rigorous physics-based analytical framework to decompose the complex flow field inside a chemical propulsion device, such as a liquid or solid rocket, in a way that allows rapid simulation of the dynamic behavior. Using UCDS it is possible to generate high fidelity predictions of the time evolution, amplitude and waveform of a pressure oscillation, along with any changes to the mean properties due to non-linear effects. Furthermore, it has been shown that the modal Alpha (linear growth rate) is a key physical parameter that defines the dynamic behavior of a rocket and provides a reliable measure of combustion stability margin.By monitoring how the array of modal Alphas change with design or operational features, the effects on engine combustion stability can be predicted. This insight provides the means to eliminate instability without resorting to expensive cut-and-try iterative developmental testing. GTL proposes to use this design guideline and the UCDSTM Process to create a clean-sheet design for a new liquid rocket that is inherently stable and compare it to an existing engine."
"Reliable, Reusable Cryotank",NNX11CH21P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2011,1,99971.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9315816134,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary R. Taylor,Principal Investigator,9513044086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"Microcracking issues have significantly limited the reusability of state-of-the-art (SOA) composite cryotanks. While developers have made some progress addressing this reusability issue, there are also significant reliability issues with the SOA cryotanks due to their inconsistent structural performance.GTL has identified the root cause of this reliability issue and proposes to confirm this diagnosis. This will be accomplished by testing two sets of laminate samples; one set fabricated with typical SOA cryotank techniques, and a second set fabricated with intentional laminate flaws. The results of this testing are expected to show a correlation between the identified flaws and the observed inconsistent performance. With this confirmation, GTL will examine several techniques that could be used to detect these flaws in production composite tanks.Additionally, GTL will show how the breakthrough BHLTM cryotank technology inhibits the introduction of these flaws and produced consistently high structural performance. This effort builds upon earlier research that confirmed the potential of the BHL technology to eliminate the microcracking issue. With BHL technology, it is possible to build high-performance, reusable and reliable cryotanks. At the conclusion of the Phase I effort, GTL will fabricate a subscale BHL cryotank and deliver it to NASA for independent evaluation."
BHL Cryotank for Long Term Use,NNX11CH48P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2011,1,99990.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9315816134,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Principal Investigator,9513044086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"GTL has already made substantial progress in developing and validating the BHLTM technology for application to cryotanks. Earlier coupon testing of the temperature-dependent material properties confirmed the potential of the BHL technology to eliminate the microcracking issue. This was followed by the fabrication and cryo-pressure cycle testing of small BHL cylinders. No laminate leaks or degradation were detected in a test with more than 40 cryo-pressure cycles.While other efforts are exploring the reliability aspects of the BHL technology at larger scales, the proposed effort will focus on evaluating the long-term cryogenic propellant storage capabilities of the BHL technology. Specifically, this effort will include initial tests to examine the implications of long-term oxygen exposure on the BHL laminate as the first step towards validating the technology for long-term NASA exploration and other missions.The effort will also refine the BHL laminate design to optimize it for long-term cryogenic propellant storage. This will include an effort to increase the insulating capability of the structural laminate to minimize the need for secondary insulation. A small BHL cylinder shall be fabricated using these refinements as a proof-of-concept."
Valve Dynamics Simulation,FA9300-11-M-2003,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,99965.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 393-5108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 393-5108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"A large portion of the non-recurring cost of throttling type valves is associated with the effort to evaluate the dynamics of the flow through the valve. Not only do these flow dynamics affect the structural and mechanical design of the valve, they have been shown to have an effect on the combustion stability of the rocket engine. Without a means to evaluate the valve dynamics, valve developers are forced to go through several design iterations before converging on a final configuration that provides the desired dynamic characteristics. GTL proposes to address this issue by developing a new Valve Dynamics Simulation (VDS) process to evaluate the flow dynamics of throttling valves. This will be accomplished by applying the same methodology and analytical approach used to create the Universal Combustion Devices Stability (UCDS) process. While UCDS is focused on evaluating the dynamic stability of a combustion chamber, the same principles can be applied to address the effects of rapidly changing complex geometry in a throttling valve. By providing a rapid and efficient simulation of the flow dynamics in a throttling valve, VDS represents an opportunity to reduce the non-recurring cost by eliminating the need to for stability related design iterations. BENEFIT: UCDS and VDS provide an efficient means to predict the oscillation characteristics of propulsion devices. This capability will allow developers to reduce the amount of testing and design iterations needed to meet their mission requirements, which will greatly reduce non-recurring cost. Since UCDS and VDS are built from a general formulation, they can be used to analyze the components of practically any combustion related device, including rockets (liquid, solid, hybrid), turbojets (combustors, augmentors), ramjets, scramjets, combined cycle engines and so on. Therefore, potential customers for UCDS services include government agencies, such as Air Force, MDA, NASA, Army, Navy, and DARPA, and propulsion system developers, such as ATK, Aerojet, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and many others, while customers for VDS include valve developers such as VACCO and Moog."
SMFB Technology,W31P4Q-12-C-0028,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,99995.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 455-7333,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Vice President,(951) 304-4086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"In the Phase I effort, GTL will demonstrate the feasibility of the SMFB technology for fusion bonding of thermoplastic matrix composites. GTL will perform a series of experiments to quantify the effectiveness of various SMFB configurations. The effort will also explore several options for introducing the required heat to melt the thermoplastic around the SMFB. Once these data are known, GTL will fabricate a series of labscale SMFB plies and use them to fusion bond the lap joint between two thermoplastic cylinders. After inspection for voids and flaws, the joined cylinders will be structurally tested to quantify the lap shear strength of the fusion bonded joint. In the Phase I option effort, GTL will apply the knowledge gained in the first part of the effort to design a SMFB ply that is compatible with a seven-inch diameter TPMC motorcase and airframe. Several proof-of-concept SMFB plies will be fabricated and used to demonstrate the fusion bonding technique. It is envisioned that the Phase II effort will include additional validation of the bonding performance and will seek to expand the SMFB toolbox to include additional thermoplastic materials, fiber materials, and configurations."
Wheelchair Drive System,4R44HD065394-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,2,618852.00,MAX MOBILITY,5425 Mount View Parkway,,ANTIOCH,TN,37013-3149,No,No,No,W. M. Richter,,615-731-1860,mark@max-mobility.com,W. M. Richter,,615-731-1860,mark@max-mobility.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Wheelchair Drive System Over half of the wheelchair user population has developed upper extremity (UE) pain and injury. One of the activities that likely contribute to the development of injury is wheelchair propulsion. A number of technologies have been developed to address this issue including ergonomic pushrims, geared hub wheels, lever drives and pushrim-activated power assist wheels. While the non-powered technologies have been shown to incrementally reduce demandon the UE, power assist wheels can practically eliminate the demand. However, it is not reasonable to use power assist wheels when powered off due to their considerable weight. In essence, they are powered wheelchairs with pushrim-mounted joysticks. Thereis a need to develop a light-weight removable power drive system for a manual wheelchair that can be used selectively by the individual to reduce UE demand during the course of everyday propulsion activities. This project will develop a wheelchair drive system to meet this need and evaluate its efficacy through a series of focus group assessments and a long-term use study. As a result of this project, wheelchair users will gain access to technology that will reduce UE demand and hopefully reduce their riskof developing overuse injuries. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Wheelchair Drive System Relevance to Public Health Manual wheelchair users are at considerable risk of developing upper limb overuse injuries. One preventative measure is to reduce demand on theupper extremities during propulsion. This project will develop a lightweight removable drive system that can be used to provide propulsion assistance, thereby reducing physical demand and the likelihood of developing overuse injuries."
SBIR Phase II: Microbial Source Tracking Using Mitochondrial DNA for Identification of Contaminant Sources,1056963,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2011,2,499999.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,Brett Baldwin,DEng,8655738188,bbaldwin@microbe.com,Brett Baldwin,,8655738188,bbaldwin@microbe.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result in field validated microbial source tracking (MST) assays that provide cost-effective identification of sources of fecal pollution. Despite efforts mandated under the BEACH and Clean Water Acts, beach closures have exceeded 20,000 days in each of the last four years primarily due to fecal pollution. The problem continues because traditional methods cannot identify the sources of fecal contamination (sewage, livestock, domestic animals, wildlife). MST assays employing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were developed to quantify source-specific genetic markers encoded on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the source animal (human, cattle, dog, etc.). The Phase I results demonstrated that mtDNA-based assays combined with bacterial source tracking methods will provide conclusive identification of fecal contamination sources allowing implementation of corrective measures to improve water quality and protect human health. Phase II studies will include a modification of the DNA extraction procedure to permit quantification of live fecal bacteria to aid in risk assessment and extended field validation studies at two beaches and two coastal watersheds impaired by unknown sources of fecal pollution. The broader impacts of this research are that the MST assays developed and validated during the Phase II project will empower stakeholders with the type of actionable data required to identify fecal contamination sources, implement appropriate corrective actions, and safeguard the nation?s waters. Fecal contamination of water resources currently exacts a severe toll in terms of increased risks to human health and impacts on coastal economies."
Novel Topical Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy using Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Ago,1R41EY021938-01,HHS,HHS,STTR,2011,1,108399.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,William P. Purcell,,901-529-1919,purcell@moleculardesign.com,Jena J. Steinle,,901-448-1910,jsteinl1@uthsc.edu,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of our work is to establish the potency and efficacy of a novel 2-adrenergic receptor agonist (compound 49b) in the prevention and/or reversal of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults. The current treatment paradigm for retinopathy patients has not changed significantly since laser photocoagulation became popular in the 1970's. Work needs to be completed to develop a noveltreatment for diabetic retinopathy that prevents the progression of the disease from the non-proliferative form to the proliferative form. We have data demonstrating that elimination of sympathetic neurotransmission to the rat retina reproduces the biochemical and histological features of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which were reproduced when rats were treated with a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist. We have now demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo that maintenance of beta- adrenergic receptor signaling in the diabetic rat retina can inhibit the loss of retinal function and morphology. This maintenance of visual function was associated with a decreased level of inflammatory cytokines and increased insulin receptor signaling. Unfortunately,topical isoproterenol has a narrow dose range and is not a commercially viable product. The projects in this proposal will test a novel beta-adrenergic receptor agonist for topical application to prevent/reverse experimental non-proliferative retinopathy.In this phase 1 STTR, we will demonstrate acute efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and potency of compound 49b in cell culture and in diabetic rats. Translation of this work into patient care will be expedited, as functional studies on the diabetic rodents will mirror those studies that occur in human subjects. The use of chemically novel compounds will allow for increased interest from both industry and federal funding. The deliverables from this project are pre-IND enabling data that will facilitate movement ofCompound 49b into FDA approval and human clinical trials. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The work proposed in this study will test a novel therapeutic agent to prevent/treat diabetic retinopathy using topical application. The proposed studies will demonstrate efficacy, safety and potency of compounds 49b to inhibit diabetic retinopathy"
Thin-Window P-Type Point-Contact Germanium Detectors for Rare Particle Detection,DE-FG02-11ER90091,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2011,1,150000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"Difficulties associated with thick lithium-diffused entrance windows on the outside of p-type coaxial and point-contact germanium gamma-ray detectors have always been a technical hindrance. The lithium dead layer limits the low-energy detection range and adds background in the energy spectrum, thereby limiting commercial access to application areas including pure-science measurements, programmatic security measures, and clinical molecular-imaging supported by the Department of Energy. For large-scale low-background counting experiments to proceed with the best possible efficiency, better detector contact technology must be developed. Funding of this SBIR will provide the technical underpinnings to save tens of millions of dollars on low-background counting arrays built by the DOE during the next decade while providing detectors with better performance. A new thin contact technology, discovered by PHDs Co, has the potential to replace the ubiquitous thick lithium-diffused contact and, in doing so, provide an economical solution to these detection issues. The Phase I will experimentally demonstrate the viability of the new thin contact for low-background detector fabrication. The Phase II will experimentally develop the MJY commercial low-background detector product line to fill the need. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to low-background counting, the Federal Government supports both pure and applied science applications including nuclear physics, astrophysics, security, and nuclear medicine (molecular imaging) that will greatly benefit from the availability of this new detector technology."
Growth of Large Diameter High-Purity Germanium Crystals for Nuclear Physics Research,DE-FG02-10ER85953,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2011,2,1000000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Richard Pehl,Dr.,8654145434,dickpehl@phdsco.com,"DOE Nuclear Physics user facilities require larger high-resolution gamma-ray detector systems to provide higher sensitivity measurements. Large diameter germanium crystals are being grown, evaluated, and iteratively improved in the laboratory. Large-diameter crystals will be made into large segmented planar detectors to demonstrate the viability of the crystals and the advanced detection capabilities for DOE Nuclear Physics measurements. Numerous large germanium crystals were grown under varied thermal conditions to eliminate a severe crystallography problem previously observed in the crystals. Excellent gamma-ray energy spectroscopy and uniform impurity concentration were established. Numerous extremely large diameter germanium crystals will be grown using the thermal conditions developed during Phase I. The crystal properties will be fine-tuned to allow fabrication of 150-mm through 200mm diameter germanium detectors. Fully operational large-diameter segmented planar detector systems will be fabricated and evaluated as a demonstration of the technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to immediate impact at DOE user facilities performing Nuclear Physics and rare-particle detection measurements, the detectors from these larger diameter germanium crystals will impact nuclear security, nuclear cleanup, and nuclear medicine. Molecular imaging in nuclear medicine represents the most significant commercial application. From growing the germanium crystal to constructing a final detector system, the manufacturing process will always require good scientists, engineers, technicians, and association with research scientists at DOE laboratories."
TAS::75 0849::TAS,N43CO110036,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,1,194797.00,"RXBIO, INC.",1325 SUNSET DR,,JOHNSON CITY,TN,37604-3619,No,No,No,Wenlin Deng,,423-928-3330,WDENG@RXBIO.COM,Wenlin Deng,,423-928-3330,WDENG@RXBIO.COM,"No satisfactory medical interventions for radiation enteritis are available yet. We have demonstrated that polyamine inhibition by a-difluoromethylornithine orDFMO, a selective and irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, the primary rate-limiting enzyme in the production of polyamines) significantly protects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from whole-body radiation exposure. Here we propose to further develop it into a highly efficient radioprotector/radiomitigator for indications (1) radiotherapy associated enteritis and (2) GI injury due to nuclear accidents or incidents. Aim #1. Evaluate the radioprotecting/mitigating effect of DFMO on GI injury Aim #2. Evaluate the effect of DFMO on cancer radiosensitivity Methods: (1) For efficacy studies under Aim #1, we will use a mouse model of abdomen-pelvis irradiation. Morphological evaluations include crypt survival and crypt-villus recovery. Intestinal barrier integrity will be evaluated by measuring plasma citrulline and serum endotxoin levels. (2) Under Aim #2, we will first evaluate the effect of DFMO on cancer growth and radiosensitivity in HCT116 and HT29 cell lines, and then move to mouse models of colon cancer and simulate abdomen-pelvis radiotherapy. Methods involved are cell culture, invitro clonogenic assay of tumor cell growth, Xenograft implantation of HCT116 cells and HT29 cells and measuring tumor volume Relevance to public health: The concept proposed in this project, if proved, will lead to a full-scale development program to advance DFMO into a highly efficient drug for managing radiation enteritis in cancer patients as well as GI injury due to unintended radiation exposure."
Modeling and Simulation of Hybrid Materials/Structures for Sustainment Applications,FA8650-11-M-3120,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,99096.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"CEO, President",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,CPDO,(615) 372-0299,adey@vextec.com,"The United States Air Force (USAF) operates one of the world""s largest fleets with an average age approaching 26 years. As the USAF transport fleet continues to age, costs of inspections, structural repairs, and component replacements will continue increasing. Given this large number of aircraft approaching their life limit, USAF engineers are considering alternative strategies for its airframe fleet. Fiber Metal Laminate (FML) GLARE (glass-reinforced aluminum laminate) is one such innovation considered to reduce weight and increase safety. To utilize the benefits of the FML concept for design of aerospace structures and keep testing at a minimum, programs are needed to develop analytical prediction methods that capture all relevant failure criteria. Phase I will develop a probabilistic structural analysis framework incorporating mechanistic computational models to predict fatigue reliability of FML structural components. Phase I will develop probabilistic computational methology for predicting crack initiation in the metal layer and subsequent delamination growth in the composite layer. VEXTEC will demonstrate feasibility by comparing preliminary modeling results against published experimental data. VEXTEC intends to develop and commercialize an open set of tools for FML design within our existing Virtual Life Management (VLM) technology product line. BENEFIT: Scheduled, airframe and special inspections together account for 37% of USAF aircraft maintenance man-hours. New means to predict crack initiation and growth in component-metal structures will help to reduce inspection requirements"
Innovative Capability to Quantify Fatigue Damage and Assessment of Endurance Limit in Spectrum Load Histories,N68335-11-C-0053,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,79952.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"CEO, President",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Director of Modeling&Si,(615) 372-0299,rholmes@vextec.com,"Analysis methods are not available to predict the life of structures exposed to spectral loads containing large cycles of low amplitude loads. The challenge is developing a computational technique to predict damage accumulation in the ultra high cycle fatigue (UHCF) regime and then integrate that into a spectral loading capability. By its very nature, all UHCF damage growth rates are small at 10E-10 m/cycle. This damage is on a size scale such that the local material microstructural features and the random nature of the size, strength and location of these features causes large scatter in the damage accumulation rates. The objective of Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of applying a probabilistic micromechanics approach to UHCF durability prediction. VEXTEC will extend its current HCF predictive capabilities into the UHCF regime. The approach will evaluate common aerospace materials: aluminum, titanium, and steel. The program will evaluate each material system in terms of the UHCF failure modes and mechanisms and apply that knowledge into a micromechanics based spectral fatigue durability simulation. VEXTEC will build on its vast experience in the field of damage micro-mechanics and reliability to develop a demonstrator Fatigue Simulator Tool."
Corrosion Resistant Naval Alloys: Innovative Multi-Scale Computational Modeling and Simulation Tools,N00014-11-C-0078,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,2,749368.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"President, CEO",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,(615) 372-0299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Advanced computational tools capable of predicting the effects of fatigue corrosion on new alloys are needed to design the aircraft fleet of the future. The corrosion process is complex involving a combination of factors including material chemistry, processing history, microstructure, and operational environment. During the Phase I, VEXTEC demonstrated physics based corrosion pit nucleation model integrated within a probabilistic fatigue model to predict the corrosion influence on fatigue. VEXTEC simulated an aircraft under-wing panel made of Al 7075 under realistic mission loads and showed that corrosion reduced the fatigue life by 33%. The Phase II will fully develop this capability into a prototype design tool. The corrosion model will be extended to include pit formation, annodic dissolution and embrittlement for both Al 7075 and Al7050 materials. Under Phase IIB the capability will be further extended to predict Al2024 behavior. It will be shown that a prototype software can be used to predict design influence factors on a realistic Navy component."
Novel Analytical Methods for Sandwich Core Termination Features,N68335-11-C-0186,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,2,749996.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"President, CEO",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,CPDO,(615) 372-0299,adey@vextec.com,"The proposed project will develop a structural analysis framework incorporating high performance composite design methodologies to predict the reliability of sandwich termination features. The sandwich core termination region offers many challenges to properly design and verify its structural integrity. Complexities such as numerous interacting failure modes and sensitivity to manufacturing variations make designing and analyzing the core termination region costly and time consuming. The work proposed by VEXTEC under this SBIR project will produce a composite damage propagation prediction tool. It will explicitly link state-of-the-art laminate design techniques with the mechanistic failure models. During the Phase II, the global local analysis will be combined with probabilistic methods to allow for consideration of manufacturing variability throughout the structure. This expanded and enhanced tool will look at multiple failure modes in addition to delamination while considering the variability associated with component geometry, materials, and loadings. The Phase II effort will be tailored to analyze a more complex component (e.g. a fastened panel). The overarching objective of this technical work is to develop a comprehensive probabilistic composite design and analysis prototype simulator tool."
Molded Hydrogel Tympanic Membrane Repair Constructs,1R43DC011715-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,1,157910.00,"GRACE MEDICAL, INC.",8500 WOLF LAKE DRIVE,SUITE 110,MEMPHIS,TN,38133-,No,No,No,Wilson C. Pritchard,,901-380-7000,wpritchard@eaglevis.com,Wilson C. Pritchard,,901-380-7000,wpritchard@eaglevis.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Tympanic membrane perforations are commonly seen in otology practices and about 150,000 repair surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Current office-based procedures such as paper patch tympanoplasty are relatively ineffective or, like the irritant oil method, require multiple office visits. Surgical procedures including fascia and cartilage tympanoplasty are more effective but are invasive and expensive. One of the simplest and most effective methods of tympanic membrane repair involves insertion of a bobbin- shaped hydrogel construct across the membrane. Previous attempts to use hydrogels to create bobbin-shaped constructs have involved use of either molded collagen or calcium alginate, but neitherof these has been commercialized. The main barriers to commercialization of molded hydrogel constructs are poor mechanical integrity and handling characteristics, lack of cost-effective sterilization methods, difficult manufacturing techniques and inconsistent part dimensions. This study proposes to overcome these barriers by assessing the feasibility of using novel molding techniques to form constructs from two different hydrogel materials. Calcium alginate manufacturing will be streamlined using irreversible thermal gelation with calcium chloride-loaded liposomes. These will be compared to constructs made from concentrated solutions gellan gum, the processing of which is leveraged from knowledge gained by Grace Medical during development and regulatory approval of gellan gum temporary ocular inserts. Analysis of the two materials will include full chemical characterization. The results of the tests will allow a determination based upon cost, performance and manufacturability of the best material to use forin vitro and in vivo biocompatibility testing in Phase II of the project. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project is intended to benefit those that require repair of the tympanic membrane due to rupture or incomplete healing following removal of tympanostomy tubes. The work will develop an inexpensive, commercially viable tympanic membrane repair construct that will transform tympanoplasty into a minimally invasive, routine and widely-practiced office-based technique. The tympanic membrane repair constructs can drastically reduce cost and improve outcomes as it will replace current, relatively ineffective office-based techniques or effective but expensive operating room-based techniques with a simple 10 minute procedure."
Development of an Atmospheric Plasma Applicator to Treat Chronic Wounds,1R43GM099207-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,1,418938.00,"ADVANCED PLASMA PRODUCTS, INC.",231 Sam Rayburn Parkway,,Lenior City,TN,37771-,No,No,No,Kimberly D. Kelly,,865-777-3776,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,Kimberly Kelly-wintenberg,,865-777-3767,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Annually, 5 to 7 million Americans are treated for chronic wounds that arise from diabetes, lower extremity arterial disease, lower extremity venous disease and edema, and pressure ulcers, and traumatic injuries, including burns. There is a real need for new advanced technologies to treat chronic wounds since a significant number of these wounds do not heal after a year of treatment with current technologies. This application proposes to develop an Atmospheric Plasma Applicator for treatment of chronic wounds. Advanced Plasma Products, Inc (APP) will build upon its expertise in atmospheric plasma to engineer a laboratory benchtop prototype that is capable of inactivating microorganisms, including, biofilm without causingdamage to surrounding tissues. The prototype will then be tested for its wound disinfecting capabilities with two in vitro wound biofilm models: the Colony-Drip Flow Reactor (DFR) model and the modified Keratinocyte Scratch Assay co-cultured with biofilm.A chronic wound animal model will then be used to investigate efficacy of the Atmospheric Plasma Applicator and tissue damage after plasma treatment. This work will provide the basis to submit a Phase II proposal in which a first generation prototype willbe built and tested to meet FDA regulatory approval. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Public Health Impact Statement Chronic wounds affect 5 to 7 million Americans annually and generate healthcare cost in the billions of dollars. More importantly, chronic wounds contribute significantly to the mortality of patients in the United States, and lead to over 80,000 amputations annually due to complications in diabetic and peripheral arterial disease patients. Most chronic wounds are treated by outpatients wound care center requiring weekly visits and can take months to years to heal at high costs. The health-related quality of life of patients suffering from chronic wounds is similar to that of patients with recurrent cancer. There is an increase in lack of mobility and patients feel isolated and the incidence of depression is significantly higher than the general population. Since many chronic wound patients are 65 years of age or older and covered by Medicare or Medicaid, there is a push to look at lower-cost alternative treatment technologies. Building upon our expertise in disinfection/sterilization of sensitive items, APP is meeting this demand to effectively treat chronic wounds by developing an Atmospheric Plasma Applicator using its patented atmospheric plasma technology."
Germanium Gamma Cameras,1R44RR031937-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,1,150000.00,PHDS COMPANY,"777 EMORY VALLEY RD, STE B",,OAK RIDGE,TN,-,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,,865-481-3725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Germanium gamma-ray imaging detectors will improve the quality of in-vivo molecular-imaging applications. The objective of this program is the development of the Germanium Gamma Cameras (GGCs) as modular component detector heads suitable for convenient integration into the molecular-imaging systems of other companies and research groups for small field-of-view SPECT and planar imaging applications, such as preclinical imaging and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. The Germanium Gamma Cameras will be iteratively developed through the fabrication and optimization of numerous GGC prototypes. The GGC prototypes will be incrementally evolved by modifying the geometry, optimizing the spatial resolution, and increasing the size of our existing imaging germanium-detector product line. The fast-track SBIR mechanism has been selected because of the advanced starting point provided by the technical success of our existing systems and the relatively well defined geometric constraints associated with small field-of-view imaging applications. By the end of Phase II, the capacity will exist to manufacture and sell modest numbers of GGCs to companies and research groups. At such time, Phase-III commercialization partnerships will be formed andcapital will be raised for larger-scale production of GGCs for specific high-resolution small field-of-view molecular-imaging applications. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Germanium Gamma Camera detector heads will be developed as components for high-resolution medical-imaging systems for diagnosing cancer in humans and studying animal models in cancer research. Germanium Gamma Cameras will improve diagnosis and research resulting in better health care at lower cost."
"Reducing Stroke by a Novel, Clot-dissolving Antibody",1U44NS073147-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,1,300000.00,"TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES, INC.",1840 Overton Park Avenue,,Memphis,TN,-,No,No,No,Elixabeth Reed,,706-421-3355,delizabethreed@translationalsciences.com,Paul H. Kussie,,706-421-3355,pkussie@translationalsciences.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death and the primary cause of severe, long term disability. Each year 795,000 Americans have a stroke and the annual costs to the economy are 57.9 billion. The vast majority of acute ischemic strokes are caused by a thrombus (blood clot) which occludes the blood vessel and stops blood flow to the brain. Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), an agent that catalyzes the dissolution of blood clots, is the only effective, FDA-approved treatment for ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, TPA is associated with significant risks, delays in treatment, and is unsuccessful in up to 70% of patients at dissolving blood clots in sufficient time to protect the brain. There is a need for a safer, more effective therapy that facilitates early treatment, saves lives, reduces disability and lowers health care costs. In pre-clinical studies, we have shown that these goals might be achieved by a molecule that inactivates the major inhibitor of plasmin and, dissolves clots through a unique mechanism that avoids the risk of hemorrhage and neurotoxicity associated with TPA therapy. Following FDA guidance, we converted this molecule into a biologic drug candidate for stroke (stromab) that potently accelerates the dissolution of human clots. The goal of this Fast Track application is to move stromab further towards human trials by following FDA guidance to: 1) determine the optimal formulation and therapeutic time window for treatment, 2) produce and purify stromab under GLP conditions, 3) investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of stromab and, 4) submit an IND to the FDA. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Each year 795,000 Americans have a stroke and the annual costs to the economy are 57.9 billion. Tissue plasminogen activator, the only approved treatment for ischemic stroke, is associated with significant risks, delays in treatment, and is unsuccessful in up to 70% of patients at dissolving blood clots in sufficient time to protect the brain. Thisproject seeks to develop a novel therapy for stroke that could markedly reduce death, disability and costs."
Dynamically Controlled Electric Demand Management System,DE-FG02-11ER90010,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2011,1,149076.00,"Enhanced Systems Consulting, Inc.",3201 Hanover Road,,Johnson City,TN,37604-1463,No,No,No,Matthew Bolton,Mr.,423-207-4660,mbbolton@enhancedsystems.com,Matthew Bolton,Mr.,423-207-4660,mbbolton@enhancedsystems.com,"It is becoming increasingly apparent that we, as a nation, need to quickly develop smarter solutions to control the overall generation and distribution of electrical energy as power demand across the grid expands in response to the increasing population and the growing prospect of energy intensive technologies coming online. Peak demand spikes occurring regularly throughout the power grid have reached unsustainable conditions, and, as a result, more intelligent solutions are needed to: 1) conserve energy by maximizing efficiencies and minimizing energy loss; 2) reduce the burden on the power grid infrastructure during periods of peak demand; 3) reduce the requirement for additional generating capacity; and 4) save the consumer money. The overall goal of the Phase I and Phase II project is to develop an integrated control system software platform in connection with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) that measures real-time system demand across a distributed power network and, via closed loop feedback control, responds dynamically by controlling the voltage across the grid on a substation level and the activity of consumer devices (hot water heaters, car chargers, HVAC, etc). Closed-loop control is used to create an optimal solution for: 1) reducing the Power loss associated with long-range distribution, and 2) redistributing the power demand peaks over time to create a flatter power demand curve for both the generators and the distributors. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Realizing this technology to its fullest potential would result in a fully deployable software control platform that, initially, can be logistically phased into the 32,000 customer base of BTES, and then systematically delivered across the entire Tennessee Valley Authority distribution system which provides power for approximately 9 million customers. Ultimately, in the more distant future, this solution can be deployed across other electrical power distribution networks across the nation."
"High Throughput, Label-Fee Molecular Interaction Platform for Membrane Protein",2R44GM093762-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,2,2289228.00,"MOLECULAR SENSING, INC.",111 10th Ave South,Suite 110,Nashville,TN,37203-,No,No,No,Scot Weinberger,,(650) 728-8111,sweinberger@molsense.com,Scot Weinberger,,(408) 335-1379,sweinberger@molsense.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Molecular interactions form the basis of healthy metabolism as well as the manifestation of disease, and comprise the very foundation of drug treatment. Tools available to study molecular interactions in their nascent environment and physiological concentrations without chemical modification, such as surface immobilization or labeling, are limited. Current label-free technologies cannot perform homogeneous (free solution) measurements of membrane protein target interactions. Membrane proteins, which make up about 1/3 of the human proteome, interact with a wide range of biologically relevant species. A specific class of membrane proteins known as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) is of particular interest, as they represent the principle drug target for about 40% of all prescription pharmaceuticals and over half of the top one hundred best selling drugs. Currently, there does not exist a practical label-free means to study GPCR - lead interactions as they proceed in their native environment. Consequently, label-free approaches significantly under-serve a major drug discovery need, and as such, there exists a profound requirement for a label-free technique to support research demands in the all important GPCR and membrane protein fields. Molecular Sensing Inc.'s (MSI) Phase II SBIR proposal entitled, High Throughput, Label-free Molecular Interaction Platform for Membrane Protein Targets, leverages the achievements of our Phase I program and is directed towards producing a robust Back-Scattering Interferometry (BSI) instrument for use in drug research. In addition to refining the platform, under Phase II we will demonstrate the unique strengths and capabilities of BSI to significantly advance progress in the all important area of membrane protein drug research by capitalizing on collaborations with three world-class research environments: The Groves Laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley, the Finn Laboratory of Scripps Research Institute, and the Bornhop Laboratory at Vanderbilt University. The culmination of our Phase II program will result in the creation of a prototype research product, which the company will sell to its early access customers in translational and pharmaceutical research markets. Phase III activities will complete the product development process, making this powerful new tool accessible to laboratories worldwide. As our initial market experience of Phase I technology has taught, our commercial product will create a sustained impact to basic, translational, and drug discovery research that will positively influence healthcare through the accelerated release and development of new and powerful therapeutics and diagnostics, consistent with the mission of the National Institutes of Health. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: High Throughput, Label-Fee Molecular Interaction Platform for Membrane Protein Targets Drugs directed against cell membrane targets comprise one of the most important classes of therapeutics and focused pharmaceutical research. Tools available to support this research lack enabling capabilities, and are a barrier to progress. Our program will result in the creation of a novel research platform that will exert a substantial and powerful impact to advance progress in membrane target drug research, yielding new and improved therapeutics that will positively impact the treatment of disease, improving healthcare while reducing its cost."
TAS::75 0894::TAS SBIR PHASE II - IDENTIFICATION OF ALCOHOL-RELEVANT MIRNA BIOMARKERS,N44HD090017,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2011,2,425949.00,GENOME EXPLORATIONS INC,654 JEFFERSON AVE,,MEMPHIS,TN,38105-4912,No,Yes,No,Divyen Patel,,901-578-5708,DPATEL@GENOME-EXPLORATIONS.COM,Divyen Patel,,901-578-5708,DPATEL@GENOME-EXPLORATIONS.COM,"Alcohol abuse and its related health effects are estimated to have an economic cost in the US that approaches $200 Billion per year. However, current tests for alcohol use/abuse are not reliable except when administered within several hours of intoxication. Moreover, current clinical tests for alcohol-related organ damage only provide reasonable diagnostic and prognostic value after the damage has occurred. This study is designed to examine the effect of alcohol on micro RNAs (miRNAs), a newly discovered class of gene expression regulators that are believed to play important roles in vital cellular functions, development and disease. Genome Explorations Inc. (GenEx) proposes to use a well-validated mouse model system to identify alcohol-induced changes in miRNA expression in blood, liver and cerebellum and assess their ability to act as sensitive and specific indicators of acute alcohol use and alcohol-induced liver damage. Identification of such biomarkers may lead to the development of more sensitive and specific tests that can detect alcohol consumption well after the fact, and the early onset (or pre-onset indicators) of alcohol induced liver damage."
Wideband Scalable Multi-channel Digital Receiver/Exciter (DREX),HQ0147-11-C-7622,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,99916.00,UWB WIRELESS INC.,930 Georgetown Road,,Cookeville,TN,-,No,No,No,Lily Li,President,(931) 528-7879,liliy1@yahoo.com,Lily Li,President,(931) 528-7879,liliy1@yahoo.com,"In response to the proposal solicitation of''Wideband Scalable Multi-channel Digital Receiver/Exciter (DREX)', this proposal presents a phase-I research plan committing to provide a set of study and experiment results, and conceptual design of a scalable coherence method. A new framework for wideband DREX with digitalized channel mismatch compensation is proposed. In the proposed architecture, digital signal processing relies on both a FPGA based real-time processor and a host PC with Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) for parallel computing. Major considerations in system design, measurement based modeling, channel mismatch compensation, as well as performance evaluation are discussed. Among many challenges are 1) to develop an effective system identification technique for the proposed channel model and 2) to develop a feasible channel mismatch compensation technique based on global optimization. Typical applications in wideband digital beamforming (DBF) and MIMO radar will be considered in developing and verifying the new schemes. Indeed, there are many questions and uncertainties associated with modeling and implementing the new schemes in real-time, which motivates us to study feasibility and implementation related issues using our lab facilities. This way, investigation results will be more convincing, which will pave the way for the phase II development."
Sensor Atom Configuration Software,W911QX-11-C-0024,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2011,1,70000.00,"RenderMatrix, Inc.",3118 Bluffdale,,Memphis,TN,-,No,No,No,Joseph Qualls,President and CEO,(901) 490-3717,jqualls@rendermatrix.com,Joseph Qualls,President and CEO,(901) 490-3717,jqualls@rendermatrix.com,"The software system, Sensor Atom Configuration Software (SACS), will use of knowledge management techniques through ontologies capturing knowledge about sensor atoms and 3D targets, advance algorithm design, and concept of operations to allow for flexible sensor system design and predict sensor performance. Sensor atoms are the fundamental unit of a sensor embodying the most basic properties in terms of temporal, spatial and spectral resolution. SACS will allow the user to chose multiple types of sensor atoms and define properties such as spatial layout and operational objectives, which will form the building blocks of a sensor configuration. The output of the sensor configuration will then be simulated with a 3D target. Features extracted from the simulated output will then be sent to performance algorithms to determine the ability of the sensor configuration to detect the 3D target with classification algorithms."
"SBIR Phase I:Development of Robust, High Performance 6-Li Silicate Optical Fiber Neutron Detectors",1013746,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2010,1,149259.00,Nucsafe,601 Oak Ridge Turnpike,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-7040,No,No,No,Kenneth Weston,PhD,8654258917,kweston@nucsafe.com,Kenneth Weston,PhD,8654258917,kweston@nucsafe.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the technology needed for high performance scintillating optical fiber-based neutron detectors. Current scintillator technology has the potential to produce neutron detectors that are extremely sensitive, rugged, flexible in design geometry, have a large dynamic range (background to 10 Mcps), and do not contain toxic or regulated materials. However, the transmission distance of fibers based on existing materials and fabrication processes is currently "
Companion Diagnostic for ALK Mutations,N43CO201000132,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2010,1,200000.00,"INSIGHT GENETICS, INC.",111 10th Ave. South Suite 110,,NASHVILLE,TN,37203-,No,No,No,,,(615) 255-8880,jpettersson@insightgeneticsinc.com,David Hout,,,,"Kinase inhibitors such as Gleevec and Tarceva have markedly improved cancer therapy. Essential to the use of such inhibitors are companion diagnostics enabling determination of the mutational status of th eir kinase targets in tumors. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion oncogenes have emerged as an important cause of lung cancer, and ALK inhibitor programs (by Pfizer, Lil ly, Ariad, Astell as, Zenobia, and others) are in progress, ALK inhibition causes marked anti-tumor responses, but only in patients whose tumors conta in mutant ALK. Both immunohistochemistry (IHe) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can identify ALK mutations, but each has multiple limitations Herein, we propose development of a microarray¿based test to ident ify ALK fus ions (EML4¿ALK. NPM¿ALK, CL TC-ALK, and others) from FFPE tissues as a rapid, highly specific and sensit ive companion diagnostic. Insight Genetics has established collaborations with experts in the genetics of ALK and lung cancer, as well as collaborations with pharmaceutical companies developing ALK inhibitors. In the studies proposed, we wi ll establish and validate our ALK mutation detection platform using lung cancer specimens. many also characte rized by ALK FISH and/or IHC to benchmark our assay against these methodolog ies. The Insight Genetics ALK microarray will enable personalized therapy by caregive rs, tra ns lating to improved patient outcomes."
SBIR Phase I:Usability of iCare: An Academic Electronic Health Record Clinical Simulation Tool,1013586,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2010,1,150000.00,iCare Academic LLC,2450 E J CHAPMAN DRIVE,,Knoxville,TN,37996-0001,No,No,No,Xueping Li,MBA,8659747648,xueping.li@utk.edu,Xueping Li,MBA,8659747648,xueping.li@utk.edu,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I focuses on the development of a systematic methodology for the usability study of academic electronic health records (EHR) systems to guide the development of iCare, an academic EHR clinical simulation tool, with the aim to provide undergraduate and graduate students nationwide with exposure to, and experience in utilizing EHRs. To determine the feasibility of iCare, the project will examine its usability using Neilsen's Usability Model to guide the testing with faculty and health care students through focus groups, following eXtreme Programming development process.
With EHRs penetrating the health care sector, new graduates must be proficient in using EHRs prior to entering the workforce. Currently, there are over 3,000 nursing schools in the U.S., with approximately 400,000 students enrolled annually and only 1% of these schools with access to academic EHRs. This Phrase I project will seamlessly integrate research and education through the commercialization of iCare and the findings and insights with focus group studies aiming to close the competency gaps between preparing health care students and accessing state-of-the-art EHRs to train health care professionals."
SBIR Phase I: Decontamination of Fresh Produce with Atmospheric Plasma,1042088,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2010,1,124278.00,"APP, Inc",924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932-3723,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,,8657773776,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,,8657773776,kwintenb@advancedplasmaproducts.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and test a non-thermal atmospheric plasma food processing technology to reduce microbial populations on fresh produce. The technology will reduce the risk of foodborne infections while decreasing microbial spoilage, preserving the fresh attributes and nutritional quality of the produce while avoiding the deposit of unwanted by-products. The proposed development will leverage previous research concerning the destruction of infectious agents by atmospheric plasma. In this project, a Plasma Produce Sanitizer prototype will be developed to treat pre-packaged produce. Key parameters, including plasma power and exposure time, will be varied in seeking a preliminary design and concept of operations that will yield up to 4-log reduction in microbial load without negatively impacting the food quality or shelf life.
The broader/commercial impacts of this research will be realized through a reduction in the health and economic impacts associated with food borne illness. According to the USDA, foodborne illnesses account for about 1 of every 100 U.S. hospitalizations and 1 of every 500 U.S. deaths, while costing the country $6.9 billion in medical costs and lost productivity annually. While the impact has been reduced in recent years through improved detection and traceability of contaminated food, the rate of food contamination has held steady and the economic burden has shifted to the food industry in the form of increased food recalls. For example, in 2007 the California spinach industry lost close to $100 million following an E-Coli outbreak."
High Power PM Fiber Laser Coupler,HQ0006-10-C-7361,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2010,1,99949.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Roger Sanders,Principal Investigator,4238944646,rsanders@accurate-automation.com,"Fiber lasers have emerged as a promising technology for future high energy laser (HEL) weapons systems, having demonstrated single mode, CW operation at 10kW power level and high electrical to optical conversion efficiency (>25%). However, commercial fiber lasers are not practical for beam combining to obtain the higher power (100kW) levels required for future weapons systems without sacrificing beam quality. For that, single mode fiber lasers operating with linear polarized output (PM amplifiers) and narrow line width (GHz) need to be developed, ideally in the 1-10kW power range. One of the key ""missing"" optical elements required for this fiber laser, is the PM coupler used to combine multiple high brightness pump diode modules with the linear polarized signal. Currently this PM coupler technology does not operate robustly at the multiple kW level and must be developed before full scale testing of PM fiber amplifiers at the >1kW can be accomplished. Additional specifications that need to be improved in future PM coupler technology are lower signal insertion loss, to enable counter and bi-directional pumping configurations. This proposal aims to develop an improved multi-kW PM fiber coupler technology and demonstrate their operation in PM fiber amplifiers at 2-3kW, with specifications suitable for future HEL weapons beam combining programs."
Multi-Band Eyesafe NIR Laser for HEL Applications,N68335-10-C-0486,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2010,1,79852.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Robert Rice,Principal Investigator,4238944646,rrice@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) proposes to provide a source that can meet the requirements of this present solicitation using a technical approach based on recent breakthrough technology that has made it possible to design a scalable fiber optic laser that can operate in all of the low loss windows in the eyesafe NIR band. Based on a technique whereby the fiber core is doped by nanoparticles (NP) containing different rare earth ions, a single fiber can be made to behave as an independent amplifier at multiple signal wavelengths within these windows. Hence, a single wavelength band switchable and wavelength tunable source can meet the Phase I, II and III performance requirements. Moreover, the development of practical HEL sources in the NIR is converging on fiber optic lasers, so having a test source that can operate at all of the candidate eyesafe NIR fiber wavelengths is especially appropriate. High output power will be achieved by combining the output of several fiber amplifiers through a passive coherent combining technique."
Multiple Engagement Autonomous Neutralizer (MEAN) System,W15QKN-11-C-0022,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2010,1,69959.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Bryce Williams,Principal Investigator,4238944646,bwilliams@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation will design and build a Multiple Engagement Autonomous Neutralizer (MEAN) System that will allow an EOD team to quickly and safely engage multiple IEDs from a safe area. This design exceeds capabilities of any current system because it will allow the technician to preload the system with at least 8 shots, attach it to a robot, drive the robot down range where the device can be identified, select the appropriate PAN shot to neutralize the threat, and then select another shot to reengage or engage another device all while the technician remains in the safe area. The proposed system will also employ 2 or more water shots without user intervention qualifying the system as semi-automatic and allowing fully autonomous operation from a safe area. The proposed system will function in a fielded environment with simple cleaning access to ensure lasting performance and ease of maintenance in sand and immersive environments. Accurate Automation has a lengthy autonomous system development and commercialization track record. Accurate Automation will leverage its knowledge and capabilities to produce a very robust and competent system that can easily and effectively be used by military EOD teams and civil /federal bomb squads."
High Power Laser Triggered Carbon Nanotube Switch,W9113M-10-C-0036,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2010,1,69952.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,contracts@tritonsystems.com,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,4238944646,pkrueger@accurate-automation.com,Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to develop a high power switch with a laser trigger to minimize pulse-to-pulse jitter. The switch will incorporate carbon nanotube electrodes for long life and high current capacity. The initial design of the switch will provide switching of up to 25 kV DC. The integral control of the switch will allow multiple switches to be triggered simultaneously or in a specific phased time sequence.
Autonomus I&C Maintenance and Health Monitoring System for Fission Surface Power,NNX10CD36P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2010,1,99778.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Business Official,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Dr. Hashem M. Hashemian,Principal Investigator,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"There currently exists no end-to-end reactor/power conversion monitoring system that can provide both autonomous health monitoring, but also in-situ sensor calibration and response time testing without human interface. One of the key challenges facing space nuclear power systems is their extremely remote location and requirement for multi-year missions. The current benchmark system has a mission life of at least 8 years during which time there is no opportunity for repair, sensor calibrations, or any maintenance of any kind. By contrast, terrestrial-based nuclear power plants undergo periodic outages during which time sensor calibrations can be performed. Current technology relies heavily on real-time human interaction, monitoring and control. Due to the long communication times between the Earth and Moon, or Mars, real-time human control is not possible. Therefore, these emerging programs have a critical need to develop autonomous health monitoring and control technology.
Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation proposes to develop a modular signal processing platform that will enable robust system monitoring. The proposed system, once fully developed, will be able to detect system anomalies, based on advanced analytical and empirical analysis and will enable autonomous reactor operation and corrective action."
In-Flight and Pre-Flight Detection of Pitot Tube Anomalies,NNX10CC65P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2010,1,99911.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Business Official,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Dr. Hashem (Hash) M. Hashemian,Principal Investigator,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"The health and integrity of aircraft sensors and instruments play a critical role in aviation safety. However, inaccurate or false readings from these same sensors/instruments can lead to improper decision-making resulting in serious if not fatal consequences. This proposal offers a research and development (R&D) effort to demonstrate the feasibility of using advanced data analysis techniques to identify failures in pitot tubes resulting from blockage, icing, or moisture. These data analysis techniques will use existing electrical signals of pitot tube sensors that result from measured processes during in-flight conditions and/or induced signals in pre-flight conditions to detect anomalies in the sensor readings.
The proposed method for detecting pitot tube anomalies is referred to as the ""noise analysis"" technique. This technique has been validated and is currently and routinely used by the proposing firm and others for detecting sensing line blockages of pressure transmitters in nuclear power generating stations; a very similar issue to the concern associated with pitot tube blockages.
Typically, the output of a sensor that is measuring a process (e.g. air flow) contains two components: a static (DC) component that represents the process parameter, and a dynamic (AC) component. Through the use of the dynamic component of existing electrical signals, the dynamic response of the sensor can be measured in the frequency domain. As the sensor becomes blocked or degraded, changes to the dynamic response can be observed. Specific examples of this are given in the proposal.
Another consideration in this proposal is diagnosing pitot tube sensor anomalies in pre-flight conditions. In pre-flight checks, the pitot tubes reside in mild conditions and will not be measuring a turbulent process. As such, a technique is proposed to induce this type of noise on the sensor input and analyze the resultant output using the same noise analysis technique."
Incipient Failure Detection Device For Submerged Outboard Cables,N65538-10-C-0040,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2010,1,79916.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Technical Services Manage,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Dan Beverly,Chief Engineer,8656911756,dbeverly@ams-corp.com,"A hands-on research and development effort is proposed for an advanced portable cable testing system with specific monitoring and diagnostic capabilities for submerged outboard electrical cables installed in U.S. Navy surface craft and submarines. The focus in Phase I will be on design of equipment and software algorithms for in-situ detection of degradation in SubHDR Dip Loop Cabling, or other cables of immediate interest to the Navy. The test system will incorporate a variety of specialized cable evaluation techniques that will be proven in the laboratory. These techniques will include upgraded and/or modified variations of the proposing firm's proprietary data acquisition and analysis algorithms and will include easy-to-use menus and system interfaces. The system design will be ruggedized for use in shipboard or shipyard environments and will use state-of-the art, high speed, high resolution, computer-aided data acquisition equipment built especially for cable testing."
Recovery Act - A Holistic Approach for In-Situ Cable Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,02-10ER85620,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,1,149733.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem Hashemian,Dr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"In the U.S., almost all 104 operating commercial nuclear power plants have applied or plan to apply for license renewal, and over 50 percent have already received approval. This allows the utilities who own these plants to operate them for up to 60 years, and discussions have already begun for a second round of license renewals to allow nuclear power plants to operate up to 80 years or more. These developments highlight the need for frequent maintenance of the safety-related components of the plant. Of particular interest is the management of cable aging. Although individual cables can be replaced, wholesale replacement is neither a prudent nor a practical aging management strategy. A more cost effective strategy is based on an objective assessment of the condition of the cable and an estimate of its remaining life. However, no single method is currently available that can provide a complete picture of the condition and health of a cable as installed in a nuclear power plant. Therefore, a combination of techniques including insulation test methods and conductor test methods are needed to provide a means for management of aging of nuclear power plant cables. During the proposed project, AMS will investigate the state-of-the-art in cable condition monitoring techniques applicable to nuclear power plant wiring systems, and evaluate them as to their effectiveness to identify degradation mechanisms in cable circuits through objective laboratory experiments. The result of Phase I will be a conceptual design of a comprehensive cable condition monitoring system utilizing wireless technology where applicable. Phase II will develop and test the prototype system that will be conceptualized in Phase I. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Successful commercialization of this product will result in a holistic cable health management system using the state-of-the-art in cable condition monitoring techniques, especially those that are adaptable to wireless data transmission. Applications include insulation degradation detection and identification of gross and localized cable and connection problems. The system will have immediate application in nuclear power plants as well as other commercial or industrial facilities interested in effectively managing aging assets."
Advanced Techniques for On-Line Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics of Digital Rod Position Indication Systems for Existing and Next Generation Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-09ER85269,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,2,999380.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656921756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Greg Morton,Mr.,8656911756,gmorton@ams-corp.com,"The designs of many existing nuclear power reactors incorporate a digital rod position indication system to monitor the positions of the control and shutdown rods within the reactor. These digital rod position indication systems have been in service for over 30 years in nuclear power stations worldwide. In recent years, however, aging and obsolescence issues have led to an increase in problems with the digital rod position indication systems including analog card failures and coil cable connection problems that, in some cases, may result in unplanned reactor trips. These problems, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the nuclear industry to actively seek viable options to monitor the health and accuracy of these digital rod position indication systems in order to ensure reliable plant operations for decades to come. The existing plants will be facing the end of qualified life for several components of the existing digital rod position indication systems during the next decade and are actively seeking replacement options at this time. As such, the objective of this project is to conduct a research and development effort to design, implement and demonstrate an advanced digital rod position indication diagnostic system for existing and new nuclear power reactors. In the Phase I project, the proposing firm demonstrated the feasibility of developing a digital rod position indication monitoring system from commercial parts that not only monitors for system diagnostics, but also provides additional capabilities such as higher resolution rod position indication than is currently available as well as automatic rod drop times. The approach in Phase II is to build on the success of Phase I to construct a prototype digital rod position indication diagnostic system and implement it in an existing nuclear power reactor. The prototype digital rod position indication diagnostic system constructed in the Phase II project will be used as the basis for the design of a digital rod position indication diagnostic system for next generation reactors. Commercial applications and benefits: As plants focus on replacing obsolete digital rod position indication system components, this proposal offers a commercial system that will also provide enhanced diagnostic capabilities if carried into Phase II and commercialized in Phase III."
Integrated System for Management of Cable Aging in Support of Long Life Operation of Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-10ER85822,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,1,99911.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Greg Morton,MR.,8656911756,gmorton@ams-corp.com,"In this period of the nuclear energy renaissance and recognition of the role that nuclear energy can play in carbon free power production and energy security, the value of the existing fleet of nuclear power plants and the need for construction of additional units have become obvious in recent years. Therefore, life extension of the existing fleet of nuclear power plants and construction of new power plants has come to the forefront of the global debate on the future of electric power production. In fact, talk is now underway to operate the existing fleet of nuclear reactors for up to 80 or even 100 years. This proposal is concerned with the development of an integrated system for condition monitoring of cables, especially I&C cables, as well as low voltage cables such as those that are used in rod control systems, actuation equipment, and support systems such as pumps, valves, and motors. Cable testing and cable condition monitoring technologies for nuclear power plants have been under study for nearly 30 years and a number of promising methods are now available in the form of commercially available systems. However, these systems have not been qualified for nuclear power plants and do not currently provide objective information about the condition of cable insulation, nor can they distinguish whether the problem is in the cable or the end device being a sensor, transmitter, motor, etc. The system to be developed under this project provides for improved cable diagnostics covering the conductor, insulation, and end device. In phase I, the feasibility of developing this system will be established through laboratory experiments, and in phase II, a prototype cable condition monitoring system will be developed. This system will be useful not only to the existing fleet of nuclear power plants, but also to new advanced reactors, next generation plants, research reactors, and nuclear fuel fabrication facilities. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits: Successful completion of the project that is proposed here will result in the commercialization of a state-of-the art, compact, portable, and user friendly system for cable condition monitoring in nuclear power plants. Specific applications include condition monitoring of cable conductors, insulation, splices, terminations, and end devices. The commercial system will have immediate applications in nuclear power plants around the world, as well as other commercial or industrial facilities interested in effectively managing their aging cable assets."
Prognostic Methods for Predicting Remaining Useful Life of Nuclear Plant Equipment and Components,DE-FG02-10ER85823,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,1,99711.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Brent Shumaker,Mr.,8656911756,shumaker@ams-corp.com,"Like any large-scale industrial environment, the safe and efficient operation of a nuclear reactor is a function of the health of the equipment and components that make up the plant. Although nuclear power plants have provided a reliable source of power for the U.S. over the last four decades, unexpected equipment failures have resulted in losses of power production and millions of dollars of revenue, which may have been avoided if the warning signs of impending failures had been recognized. Likewise, utilities have spent millions of dollars and lost countless days of power production replacing equipment and components that showed no signs of degradation, yet had reached the end of the manufacturer"
On-Line Monitoring Technology for Aging Management and Life Extension of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory,DE-FG02-09ER85268,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,2,999166.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem Hashemian,Mr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"Over the last decade, on-line monitoring (OLM) technologies have become prevalent in most industrial processes including nuclear power plants for equipment and process condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, aging management, and life extension. However, research reactors have not benefited from all that OLM can offer for their immediate and long term maintenance needs. Classically, these facilites have verified the performance of their systems using conventional, hands-on procedures. OLM technologies will help automate and optimize this process and thereby contribute to the accuracy of process measurements, provide for trending of the I&C performance, reduce manpower, and minimize the potential for human errors during equipment maintenance activities. This proposal focuses specifically on performance monitoring of Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems and to a lesser extent improved predictive maintenance of rotating equipment using remote data acquisition of existing process and test sensors while the plant is operating hence the word on-line). In Phase I, the feasibility of implementing a variety of OLM technologies for I&C systems and rotating equipment in research reactors was established through a hands-on R&D effort using the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as the test bed. The goal of this project is to establish OLM technologies for predictive maintenance of I&C systems and rotating equipment of research reactors using ATR as the test bed. This goal will be achieved through a practical and hands-on research project which will cover the following objectives: 1. Determine to what extent the existing data from the ATR plant computer can be used for OLM 2. Establish data qualification and data analysis algorithms and software packages 3. Validate OLM results through comparison with conventional techniques 4. Incorporate OLM for more frequent monitoring of rotating equipment of ATR 5. Establish a trending program for I&C systems of ATR 6. Develop a prototype OLM system for research reactors and demonstrate it at ATR 7. Design commercial OLM prototype system to be marketed to research reactors Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The product of this work has immediate application in the worldwide fleet of research reactors. Worldwide, there are 245 operational reactors with 14 either planned or under construction. Many of these reactors produce critical medical and industrial isotopes. Additionally, some of the materials and fuels research that is performed at these facilities cannot be performed anywhere else in the world. A majority of these reactors have been in service for 30+ years and are in need of improved maintenance capabilities such as those proposed for development herein to help assure their continued reliable operation and service to the nation. Example direct benefits to the facilities include reduced labor hours, reduction of radiation dose to maintenance personnel, improved accuracy of process measurements, etc. Certain aspects of this research will also enhance the state-of-the-art in OLM for nuclear power plants serving those facilities as well."
Recovery Act - A Holistic Approach for In-Situ Cable Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,02-10ER85620,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,2,999193.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,dmitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem Hashemian,Dr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"In the U.S., almost all 104 operating commercial nuclear power plants have applied for or plan to apply for, or have already received license renewal to allow operation for up to 60 years. As the plants age, safe operation becomes increasingly important and more frequent monitoring of the health of plant equipment becomes vital. This was recognized by the leaders in the industry over twenty years ago when studies of equipment aging and development of ways to handle aging began. Today, electrical cable aging and its impact on plant safety and operation is a worldwide concern for nuclear power plants. Loss of a cable because of a cable fault or problem can impact the operation and function of important plant safety equipment and/or the loss of performance and operational data. Knowing the aging condition of critical plant wiring and in particular aging that could result in degraded performance of a cable circuit is extremely important to the availability and safe operation of the plant. Current techniques provide problem identification and fault location capability but further advancements in the available techniques and development of new ones are needed before they can be relied upon for effective and consistent cable aging assessment. During the proposed project, AMS will investigate the state-of-the-art in cable aging evaluation techniques applicable to nuclear power plant wiring systems, and investigate their effectiveness for identifying aging mechanisms in cable circuits through objective laboratory experiments. Measurements will be correlated against classical tests to build a database of aging relationships that will simplify analysis. The result of the Phase II project will be a holistic cable aging assessment program that will provide comprehensive cable testing capabilities, analysis tools, training and technical services, and turn-key plant implementation for assessing the aging of plant wiring systems. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Successful commercialization of this product will result in an easily implemented, operational cable aging assessment and management system using the state-of-the-art in cable condition monitoring techniques that will provide correlated aging evaluations of plant cable and wiring. Applications will include tests to evaluate cable problems, insulation aging, and gross or localized cable and connector problems as well as an assessment of the aging condition of the cable. The system will have immediate application in nuclear power plants as well as other commercial or industrial facilities interested in effectively assessing and managing cable aging assets."
Islet Protection from Hypoxia Posttransplant,1R41DK075211-01A2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2010,1,332135.00,"BIOINVENTIONS, LLC",3408 Berkshire Cir,,JOHNSON CITY,TN,37604-,No,No,No,William L. Stone,,423-439-8762,drbillstone@gmail.com,Klearchos K. Papas,,612-626-0471,papas006@umn.edu,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Islet transplantation (ITx), especially with the emerging potential of xenotransplantation, holds significant promise for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). There are, however, major challenges that remain prior toits larger scale, cost-effective application. Hypoxia is a leading stress post-transplantation and is estimated to cause the death of approximately 40-50% of transplanted islets. Effective protection of transplanted islets from hypoxia-induced death (HID)has the potential to greatly enhance the success rate of ITx. Preliminary research in our labs demonstrated that alpha- and gamma-tocopherol and their succinate esters offer remarkable protection to porcine and human islets from HID at 24 hrs. Furthermorealpha- and gamma-tocopherol, when administered by injection starting 24 h pretransplantation, improved the cure rates of nude mice transplanted with the same islet mass as untreated controls by ~70%. Oral administration, if effective, would provide a preferred, more practical and safer alternative to injections. The objectives of this Phase I STTR are to: (i) Determine whether the succinate esters of alpha- plus gamma-tocopherol (which may provide additional advantages either as injectable or oral supplements) are equally or more effective than the corresponding tocopherols at the same and/or a lower dose when administered by intraperitoneal injections to diabetic nude mice transplanted with porcine islets; and (ii) Determine whether an oral administrationprotocol is an effective and efficacious alternative to injections. Because alpha- and gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl succinate are approved for human consumption, this technology, if effective, can be rapidly evaluated for safety and incorporated in the clinical treatment of T1D. In Phase II, the effective compounds will be formulated for stability and tested for efficacy in preclinical islet transplantation models including nonhuman primates, which are well established at the University of Minnesota. The successful completion of the proposed work may lead to a significant, potentially breakthrough contribution in the development of islet transplantation as a safe and cost effective therapy for T1D by markedly improving islet viability post-transplantation. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This STTR can lead to a very safe product, which increases substantially the success rate of islet transplantation. This product can have reaching effects in advancing the practical use of islet transplantation in treatingType 1 diabetes. In addition to improving the quality of life and productivity of these patients, this product can help reduce the cost of health care."
PlainLanguageRx: Improving Medication Labels to Reduce Health Disparities,1R43MD005805-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2010,1,399675.00,"SAI INTERACTIVE, INC.",340 FRAZIER AVE,,CHATTANOOGA,TN,37405-4050,Yes,No,No,,,,dane@keytrain.com,Dane R. Boyington,,4232662244,DANE@KEYTRAIN.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Summary Overall, 36% of adult Americans, and 66% of Latinos, lack the level of health literacy needed to understand prescription drug information, such as the dosing instructions on medication container labels. Low hea
lth literacy and poor understanding of medication instructions are important contributors to health disparities. They lead to medication non-adherence, lack of chronic disease control, and excess health care utilization and costs. Interventions to enhance
the content and format of prescription drug labels could improve medication management and reduce health disparities, particularly among patients with low health literacy or limited English proficiency. A recent Institute of Medicine report highlighted th
e importance of standardizing medication labels according to available evidence. However, few if any tools have been developed to create and print evidence-based labels, or to accurately translate simplified dosing instructions into other languages. This
proposal seeks to develop and evaluate PlainLanguageRx, an innovative technology platform that will enable pharmacists to rapidly produce evidence-based medication container labels in English or Spanish. The Specific Aims are to: 1) Finalize the design of
a clearly-formatted, evidence-based medication container label, known as PlainLanguageRx; 2) Develop the PlainLanguageRx software platform that will allow pharmacists to rapidly create evidence-based medication container labels; and 3) Conduct a randomized
controlled trial to evaluate the effect of PlainLanguageRx labels, compared to traditional medication labels, on patients' understanding of their medication dosing instructions. The project team consists of experienced software engineers and academic phy
sicians with expertise in business development and clinical research among underserved populations. For Aim 1, we will conduct focus groups and interviews with English- and Spanish-speaking patients, pharmacists, and leading national experts who have agree
d to serve as key informants and guide the final label design. In Aim 2, we will develop the PlainLanguageRx software platform and conduct user testing with pharmacists and pharmacy staff to optimize its usability, efficiency, and acceptability. For Aim 3,
we will conduct a randomized trial of 400 patients who fill prescriptions at an academically-affiliated community pharmacy. Patients in the intervention group will receive their medications with PlainLanguageRx labels, while those in the control group wil
l receive usual care. The study will evaluate the effect of the PlainLanguageRx labels on patients' understanding of their medication regimen (primary outcome), as well as their self-reported adherence and satisfaction (secondary outcomes). Through a proc
ess of development and evaluation that is focused on the needs of both patients and pharmacists, our goal is to produce a software platform that facilitates the rapid creation of evidence-based labels and improves patients' understanding of their medicatio
n instructions. This will set the stage for subsequent efforts to disseminate this technology as a strategy to reduce health disparities. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Relevance According to an Institute of Medicine report, prescription drug information
in the United States is overly complex and is misunderstood by many Americans, particularly those with low health literacy or limited English proficiency. This proposal seeks to develop and evaluate PlainLanguageRx, an innovative and affordable technology
that will enable pharmacists and pharmacy staff to rapidly create clearly-formatted, evidence-based prescription drug labels in English or Spanish. By helping patients better understand and adhere to medication instructions, this technology has potential t
o improve disease control and reduce health disparities among groups with low health literacy or limited English proficiency."
Light Weight Controllable Thrust Actuation for Innovative Propulsion System for Missile Defense Interceptors,W9113M-10-P-0052,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2010,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer D. Sturgis,Accounting & Contracting Manager,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Lightweight Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS) can improve the mass fraction and specific impulse capabilities of propulsion systems for future MDA platforms. Proposed is the development of a novel DACS valve and actuator to provide improved capabilities for a wide range of future systems. DSM has teamed with a leading missile defense engine provider to produce a much lighter DACS system with high mass fraction. Compared to standard DACS, the new system will require less than 25% f the typical actuation force to control the same amount of thrust. Typically, reductions to control system mass, power and size follow the same reduction in force. Therefore, DSM anticipates requiring significantly less of the traditional controller mass, size and power in this new DACS system. The lightweight system benefits overall system response through faster reaction times and greater delta velocity. The savings in mass and power can be used to benefit overall system mass leading to either longer mission duration or lower amounts of propellant. DSM will demonstrate the capability of this novel technology with a cold flow test at the missile defense engine contractor's facility."
High Reliability Cryogenic Piezoelectric Valve Actuator,NNX10CE63P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2010,1,99995.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer Sturgis,Business Official,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Principal Investigator,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Piezoelectric actuators constructed with the ""smart material"" PZT offer many potential advantages for use in NASA cryo-valve missions relative to conventional electromagnetic-driven mechanical actuators. In addition to their very high resolution (a benefit to nanopositioning applications for many years), they offer potential advantages for miniaturization and reduction of heat load as compared to electromagnetic actuators. While some notable successes have been achieved in adapting piezoelectric actuators to cryogenic applications, the technology needs further innovation, development, and validation in order to reach a readiness level that can realistically be considered for use in future missions.
Variation in strain rate with temperature, CTE mismatch relative to structural materials, and problems with protective coatings make use of PZT in cryogenic environment difficult. Thorough characterization of existing PZT material and proposed improvements to coatings and structural materials used with PZT transducers offer the potential for higher performance and reliability. With these improvements, it will be practical to use piezoelectric actuators in applications such as high force cryo-valves that can not presently be considered."
Parallel Kinematic Actuator with Reduced Size and Improved Performance,W81XWH-10-C-0187,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2010,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer D. Sturgis,Accounting & Contracting Manager,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Applications for ultrasound are expanding beyond medical imaging to include new functionality, with the potential to halt internal bleeding or provide an alternative to manual suturing. These types of functions are in some ways suited to a surgical robot, offering the potential for teleoperation or perhaps even autonomous functionality. However, the requirements for positioning an ultrasound device are different than those for a typical surgical robot. An end-effector is proposed that will use parallel kinematics and force feedback to make an actuator that is ""actively compliant"". This end-effector will be fixed to the end of a conventional articulated robot, but will have high bandwidth in all six axes of motion, allowing it to correct for compliance and shifts in the position of the patient. Thus, controlled contact can be maintained between the ultrasound device and the patient, allowing for proper function of the device."
Non-Inductive Control Surface Actuator,N00014-10-M-0145,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2010,1,70000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jennifer Sturgis,Accounting & Contracting,6155956665,jsturgis@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM) proposes a novel piezoelectric ceramic motor actuator for actuating flight control surfaces such as canards in mortars and gun launched munitions. The proposed miniature piezoelectric ceramic actuation technology is based on a ""inertial"" vibration motor concept that has been shown to be able to produce over 15 lbf in linear applications and 2 lbf-in in rotary applications. The motor also provides high resolution control authority of less than 0.001"" and nearly instantaneous stroke without the windup or backlash found in traditional geared electromagnetic or hydraulic/pneumatic actuation technologies. DSM has demonstrated that components of the motor technology can withstand gun launch accelerations of up to 100 kG. Development of an electronics driver that requires minimal space and little or no power during hard-over or holding maneuvers is also proposed. A Phase I experimental feasibility test and analysis results will demonstrate the potential for the Phase II system."
A Novel MHD Power Generation and Energy Storage Concept for Re-Entry Vehicles,N10PC20081,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2010,1,98999.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,John Lineberry,CEO/PRESIDENT,9313934500,JLBERRY@LYTEC-TN.COM,John Lineberry,CEO/PRESIDENT,9313934500,JLBERRY@LYTEC-TN.COM,An innovate re-entry power system is proposed for development which collects the re-entry energy for a vehicle/module entering the atmosphere for LEO using an MHD power generator that is configured on the exterior surface of the vehicle nose to utilize the heated air sheath as the plasma for promoting the MHD power process. The MHD power produced is collect in an internal energy storage system that will dispense the energy to a deployable pod for a subsequent lower atmosphere tactical flight mission. Phase I will assess and qualify the MHD power system which has been pre-defined from earlier work for this specific re-entry tactical mission application. Phase I will also perform engineering and trade studies on energy storage technologies to down select a single technology or multiple technologies in combination which best suits the tactical mission requirements of minimum size and weight and high specific energy. Phase I will conclude a preliminary overall power system concept inclusive of defining its integration into a standard re-entry vehicle fairing. The results of Phase I will be assembled to provide direction for a Phase II follow-on focused at research and development of the overall power system including definition of need system laboratory demonstrations.
STTR Phase I: Nanofiber Based Lithium Ion Battery Separator with Reversible Thermal Shutdown Capability,1010176,NSF,NSF,STTR,2010,1,150000.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Ravinder Reddy Nagireddy,DEng,4232676266,rreddy@eSpintechnologies.com,Ravinder Reddy Nagireddy,DEng,4232676266,rreddy@eSpintechnologies.com,"This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to establish the feasibility of an entirely new class of liquid electrolyte separator for Li ion batteries that has a built-in reversible thermal shutdown mechanism. With increasing use of Li ion batteries, safety is of particular concern as reports of occasional injuries appear in the news due to a short circuit, cell overcharge, or other overheating related catastrophic events. A separator medium having a reversible thermal shutdown mechanism means that Li ion batteries can automatically be shutdown before a thermal runaway incident occurs and can automatically be restarted once a safe thermal environment is restored. A Li ion battery separator with the targeted built-in reversible thermal shutdown capability not only addresses safety, but is also expected to extend the active life of a battery. The technical objectives of this project are to identify a suitable polymer material, optimize its material characteristics, and investigate the factors related to the reversible thermal shutdown, mechanical stability and durability. The polymer nanofiber web will be subjected to thermal cycling and the reversible thermal shutdown characteristics will be evaluated using impedance measurements. In this project, the composition and structure of a durable electrospun polymer nanofiber web with a reversible thermal shutdown characteristic will be identified.
The broader/commercial impact of this project, if successful, will be an improvement in safety for Li ion batteries. This innovation has a direct impact on the safety of users. Moreover, the tendency to overheat also impacts Li Ion battery operations. The associated costs to address both issues have continued to be a barrier for wider adoption of Li Ion batteries, and thus, the successful outcome of this project also has the potential of lowering the cost of the battery technology. Development of a separator with reversible thermal shutdown capability will help lessen the hurdles that are deterring the Li Ion battery technology from achieving its potential in a forecasted $7 billion end user market. This collaboration between the small business and an academic partner involves a post-doctoral scientist at the academic institution, who will gain commercially relevant research experience."
UCDS Unsteady Reaction Model,HQ0006-10-C-7389,DOD,MDA,STTR,2010,1,99989.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Gary Flandro,Chief Engineer,9313937217,gary.flandro@gtlcompany.com,"The UCDS process uses a rigorous theoretical model to understand the dynamics of combustion instability. In addition to predicting the amplitude of pressure oscillations, UCDS provides clear insight into why a propulsion device oscillates. To enhance and optimize UCDS for missile defense applications, GTL proposes to refine the UCDS unsteady combustion model to capture the special features of monopropellant and hypergolic combustion. To accomplish this, GTL intends to merge a new analytical chemistry model with a computational reactor model. The objective of this effort is to provide inputs to the UCDS distributed heat release model, which describes how the steady and unsteady heat release and temperature work together to feed energy into the wave motion of the chamber. With the capability to predict both the unsteady and steady heat release and temperature for complex reaction processes, it will be possible to begin to model the impact of multiphase effects, thermo-chemical processes and complex kinetics on the system dynamics. This will allow UCDS to begin to explain the available experimental data in order to reveal insight into how these processes really work in monopropellant and hypergolic propellant engines."
UCDS Based Stable Injector Design,NNX10CD22P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2010,1,99912.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,Principal Investigator,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"The Universal Combustion Device Stability (UCDS) Process is the culmination of more than 40 years of research and provides the means to understand the complex dynamics and processes inside any chemical propulsion system, including liquid rockets, solid rockets, hybrid rockets, turbojet combustors and augmentors, and even scramjets. In addition to predicting whether a combustion chamber will oscillate and how large the amplitude of the oscillation will be, UCDS provides insight into WHY a device oscillates. With this type understanding, it is possible to design for stability in any chemical rocket, turbojet or scramjet.
GTL proposes to apply the UCDSTM Process to create a clean-sheet design for a new stable liquid rocket engine that is suitable to use as an Ascent Engine for Altair. Rather than starting with preconceived notions or heritage constraints, GTL shall exercise the UCDS tools to establish detailed injector design guidelines that will ensure stable operation.
This will include definition of functions that define mass injection distribution, vaporization/atomization profile, heat release characteristics, feed system response and many other parameters. By following these requirements in an injector design, the mechanisms that drive oscillations will be minimized, while the damping mechanisms are maximized, thereby maximizing stability margin."
Scramjet Combustion Stability Behavior Modeling,NNX10CA33C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2010,2,599949.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9319315108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,Principal Investigator,9319315108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"A recent breakthrough in combustion stability analysis (UCDS) offers the potential to predict the combustion stability of a scramjet. This capability is very important due to the extreme scramjet operational environment, which makes cut-and-try development approaches impractical. With UCDS, it will be possible to accurately predict the scramjet pressure oscillation amplitudes, along with critical parameters, including the unsteady wall heat flux.
The UCDS tools were recently applied to the Ares I thrust oscillation issue in support of NASA's Thrust Oscillation Focus Team (TOFT). After validating the UCDS capabilities by analyzing the RSRM, GTL applied the tool to identify a relatively minor motor modification that should eliminate the organized motor oscillations.
Building upon this validation, GTL took the first step towards extending UCDS to scramjets in the Phase I effort. While a variety of issues and challenges were uncovered during the effort, the effort confirmed that the UCDS framework is fully applicable to scramjets. However, the effort also revealed that the DCR scramjet is far more complicated and difficult to analyze than a typical rockets. In the Phase II effort, GTL proposes to address the key issues that were identified during the Phase I effort."
Unsteady Scramjet Heat Load,FA8650-10-M-2019,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2010,1,99842.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Gary Flandro,Chief Engineer,9313937217,gary.flandro@gtlcompany.com,"To ensure the success of mid-scale scramjet development efforts, it will be essential to include the effects of chamber pressure oscillations (i.e. instability) on the engine heat load. This will require the inclusion of both the oscillatory heat load that accompanies the pressure oscillations and the impact of nonlinear combustion instability effects on the heat load. This can be accomplished using UCDS process, which allows a quantitative assessment of the impact of chamber pressure oscillations on the scramjet thermal environment and allow developers to include sufficient thermal margin in the design to deal with oscillations in test or operation. In the Phase I effort, GTL will demonstrate the calculation of all three components of the heat load, including the quasi-steady heat load, the oscillatory heat load, and the increased ""DC shift"" heat load from the nonlinear effects. When these results are integrated with a thermal management code, it will be possible to accurately predict the heat flux and the thermal balance point of a vehicle. Using the sensitivity analysis capability of UCDS, it will also be possible to accurately determine the uncertainty and sensitivity of the scramjet thermal environment. BENEFIT: UCDS Process provides an effective and reliable means to predict the oscillation characteristics of a combustion device. Not only does UCDS answer the question of whether a system is stable or not, UCDS provides detailed insight into the oscillatory characteristics of the device. For example, UCDS can be used to calculate the wall heat load in a scramjet or other propulsion device. This insight is critical to the development process, since it allows engineers to assess the physical implications of the oscillations and make any design changes needed to ensure success. Since UCDS is built from a general formulation, it can be used to analyze practically any combustion device, including rockets (liquid, solid, hybrid), turbojets (combustors, augmentors), ramjets, scramjets, combined cycle engines and so on. Therefore, potential customers for UCDS services include government agencies, such as Air Force, MDA, NASA, Army, Navy, and DARPA, and propulsion system developers, such as ATK, Aerojet, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and many others."
Integrated Airframe System,W91CRB-10-C-0150,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2010,2,1229234.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9315816134,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Vice-President,9513044086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"Building upon the successful Phase I demonstration of the feasibility of the Blended Hybrid Laminate (BHL) technology, the Phase II effort will seek to demonstrate and validate the technology at a relevant scale. Phase II confirmation of high cryo-pressure cycle life and high structural performance will open the door to the application of the technology to future high performance rockets, such as the Reusable Booster System. The Phase II effort will also seek to incorporate features of the Highly Integrated Modular Structure (HIMS) technology with the BHL technology. The demonstration of these capabilities will expand the toolbox of options available to the developer. With these options, innovative configurations could lead to performance enhancements for future rocket systems. This will be accomplished with the design, analysis and fabrication of an Integrated Airframe SystemT (IAST) using the BHL and HIMS technologies. The BHL technology addresses serious issues and short comings of the current state of the art in cryogenic propellant storage in composite pressure vessels, while the HIMS technology provides multifunctional structure capability. Two IAS units will be fabricated and delivered to DARPA and AFRL for testing and evaluation."
Tactical Rocket Engine Stability Tool,FA9300-10-C-3005,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2010,2,745500.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 393-5108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,President,(931) 393-5108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"History has repeatedly shown that combustion instability is the greatest technical risk faced in any rocket development program. To address this risk, Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC (GTL) has created the Universal Combustion Device Stability (UCDS) process. UCDS employs a tightly integrated analysis of all forms of disturbances, acoustic, vortical, and entropic waves, superimposed on the quasi-steady mean flow of combustion products. This tool provides the means to calculate the complex combustion stability characteristics of rocket engines. GTL proposes to validate the robustness of the UCDS tool by analyzing five benchmark cases and comparing the results to test data. Sensitivity analyses will be used to extract key insight into the impact of mechanisms, phenomena and parameters on system stability. As part of this effort, physical or computational experiments will be designed and performed to examine high priority features. Successful completion of the proposed Phase II validation effort will replace the uncertainty and high cost of rocket development by a rigorous design methodology based on true understanding of engine oscillatory dynamics. This capability will provide a critical risk reduction for the Hydrocarbon Boost program and open the door to new possibilities for future tactical rocket engines."
"Weather/Climate Variability Impact on Energy, Water and Food Resources and Implications for Regional Stability",W913E5-10-C-0012,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2010,1,99805.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Stephanie Cusatis,Contracts,8652981262,scusatis@iiaweb.com,Franciel Azpurua-Linares,Principal Investigator,8652981226,fazpurua@iiaweb.com,"Military planners, humanitarian organizations, and international investors face an increasing level of uncertainty regarding geopolitical areas considered critical to their respective interests. Aside from the normal factors impacting geopolitical instability the nature and pace of climate changes being observed today and the consequences projected by the consensus scientific opinion are grave and pose equally grave implications for our national security. IIa and its partner, the University of Tennessee, believe that there is currently a sufficient body of high quality, reliable information in the areas of climate change, cultural/social science, political science and world instability indicators upon which high quality predictions of regional instability can be based. We propose to integrate existing and emerging data mining and knowledge discovery techniques to achieve a leap-ahead solution to this challenge. When developed, this methodology will yield predictions about regional instability that will be of great value to military planners, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and business investors."
Mobile Device Applications in the Digital Library,DE-FG02-10ER90002,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,1,99671.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Stephanie Cusatis,Ms.,8652981262,scusatis@iiaweb.com,Lance Vowell,Mr.,8655762087,lvowell@iiaweb.com,"In order to facilitate the discovery and synthesis of scientific information, mobile device applications and services are needed for use in the digital library by researchers and scientists to instantly locate data. During Phase I of this effort IIa will perform a requirements analysis, identifying the types of services currently provided by Governmental digital libraries (e.g., DOE OSTI) or new services specific for a mobile environment. As mentioned above, we are aware of existing initiatives and tools that might be leveraged to provide these services, including Twitter Applications, Facebook Mobile, YouTube Mobile, Mobile Bloglines RSS aggregator, and Open Notebook Science. We will examine these and identify other instances as needed to learn how to best utilize existing tools to disseminate digital library services to a mobile community. We will analyze how researchers and scientists prefer to utilize existing digital library services in a mobile environment and what additional services might lend themselves to this structure. In this Phase we will also consider the body of related work that has been done, catalog that research, and evaluate it in the context of the DOE STI information and the OSTI Digital Library. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The prototype tool developed under Phase I will clearly show the feasibility of providing mobile device applications and services for digital library services. Phase I will provide research and develop a prototype; Phase II is planned to provide a more robust mobile application platform; Phase III is planned to provide a commercially available product. This cycle would optimize mobile applications and services for public and government researchers, professionals and casual users. True success in the market place would require maximum reuse of the product with minimal rework for crossing into different specialized areas. Government agencies, particularly those tasked with the responsibility to manage specialized information including large scientific and technical databases, could benefit greatly by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of those users searching their respective data and by providing users with resources that were currently unavailable in mobile format. Included within their responsibility to manage the information is the responsibility of making the data user friendly and readily available. These mobile device applications, services and related information should be well received by the specialized search user community. An additional benefit is accelerated knowledge discovery. Having the ability to instantly locate data and use digital library services on mobile devices would facilitate the discovery and synthesis of scientific information. In addition to traditional government research agencies, this concept is applicable to universities, pharmaceutical companies and all organizations involved in scientific research"
"Deep Indexing of Complex Scientific and Technical Information Documents,",DE-FG02-10ER85982,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,1,99922.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Stephanie Cusatis,Ms.,8652981262,scusatis@iiaweb.com,Edrick Coppock,Mr.,8654810388,ecoppock@iiaweb.com,"Governmental digital libraries, such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) Information Bridge (IB) and Energy Citation Database, serve as the primary vehicle to make the results of the government"
Wheelchair Drive System,1R44HD065394-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2010,1,386355.00,MAX MOBILITY,5425 Mount View Parkway,,ANTIOCH,TN,37013-3149,No,No,No,Mark W. Richter,,,mark@max-mobility.com,W. M. Richter,,6157311860,MARK@MAX-MOBILITY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Wheelchair Drive System Over half of the wheelchair user population has developed upper extremity (UE) pain and injury. One of the activities that likely contribute to the development of injury is wheelchair propulsion
. A number of technologies have been developed to address this issue including ergonomic pushrims, geared hub wheels, lever drives and pushrim-activated power assist wheels. While the non-powered technologies have been shown to incrementally reduce demand
on the UE, power assist wheels can practically eliminate the demand. However, it is not reasonable to use power assist wheels when powered off due to their considerable weight. In essence, they are powered wheelchairs with pushrim-mounted joysticks. There
is a need to develop a light-weight removable power drive system for a manual wheelchair that can be used selectively by the individual to reduce UE demand during the course of everyday propulsion activities. This project will develop a wheelchair drive sy
stem to meet this need and evaluate its efficacy through a series of focus group assessments and a long-term use study. As a result of this project, wheelchair users will gain access to technology that will reduce UE demand and hopefully reduce their risk
of developing overuse injuries. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Wheelchair Drive System Relevance to Public Health Manual wheelchair users are at considerable risk of developing upper limb overuse injuries. One preventative measure is to reduce demand on the
upper extremities during propulsion. This project will develop a lightweight removable drive system that can be used to provide propulsion assistance, thereby reducing physical demand and the likelihood of developing overuse injuries."
Segmented Rectifying and Blocking Contacts on Germanium Planar Detectors,DE-FG02-09ER85310,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,2,1000000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The semiconductor contacts on segmented germanium planar detectors require improvement to commercially supply better detectors at lower cost with faster delivery. In addition, this improvement will result in the utilization of significantly more high-purity germanium crystals for detector fabrication. The DOE operates user facilities for Nuclear Physics research that require such detectors for gamma-ray measurements. New viable semiconductor-detector contacts were experimentally developed during Phase I. These contacts will be further refined and adapted for use on full sized detectors for Nuclear Physics research during Phase II. To accomplish these goals, numerous germanium detectors will be fabricated and tested. A new version of the NPX detector product line based on this technology will become available, in modest quantities, by the end of Phase II. Several new germanium-detector contacts were fabricated and tested. One particular contact experimentally demonstrated the essential physical properties needed to be an extremely useful segmented germanium-detector contact. The contact technology will be fine-tuned and evolved to become amenable to full-sized NPX segmented germanium-detector fabrication. This new contact will be the basis for a new product line to become available by the end of the Phase II. The physical mechanisms of the contact will be studied to gain a better fundamental understanding. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Better germanium detector contacts will enable these detector systems to enter new realms of sensitivity and commercial viability. These systems will have immediate applications in research taking place at DOE user facilities including work in Nuclear Physics, positron-annihilation spectroscopy, astrophysics, and rare-particle detection. Moreover, these detector systems will enable germanium detectors to enter commercially active fields currently unoccupied by germanium detectors. The most important of these fields is nuclear medicine. Unlike many other position-sensitive gamma-ray detector technologies, germanium-detector technology is scalable to larger sizes and can be manufactured in mass. All technical steps of manufacture, including crystal growth detector fabrication, and system integration will remain viable in the United States for the foreseeable future. The process will always require an environment including the presence of scientists, engineers, technicians, and close association with research scientists at DOE laboratories. All the work supported by this SBIR will be performed by PHDs Co. in Oak Ridge; TN. PHDs Co. is a 100% domestic corporation."
Growth of Large Diameter High-Purity Germanium Crystals for Nuclear Physics Research,DE-FG02-10ER85953,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2010,1,100000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Richard Pehl,Dr.,8654145434,dickpehl@phdsco.com,"The existence of larger diameter germanium crystals will provide larger, more sensitive, gamma-ray detectors for Nuclear Physics measurements at DOE user facilities. Large Diameter germanium crystal growth techniques will be experimentally developed during the Phase I and Phase II. Large diameter germanium crystals will be grown and evaluated in the context of germanium gamma-ray detectors for DOE Nuclear Physics. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The improvements afforded by the existence of larger diameter germanium crystals will enable important germanium detector systems to enter new regions of sensitivity and commercial viability. These systems will have immediate applications in research taking place at DOE user facilities including nuclear physics, astrophysics, and rare-particle detection. Moreover, these detector systems will enable germanium detectors to enter commercially active fields currently unoccupied by germanium detectors. The most important of these fields is nuclear medicine. The path from growing the germanium crystal to a final detector system will always remain viable in the United States. The process requires an environment including the presence of good scientists, engineers, technicians, and close association with research scientists at DOE laboratories. The work proposed here provides the seed to initiate and motivate this effort having tremendous social and economic benefits for the United States and the world. All of the work to be performed under this SBIR will be performed by PHDs Co. in Oak Ridge, TN. PHDs Co. is a 100% domestic corporation."
LUMINESCENT ANTIVIRAL DRUG DISCOVERY ASSAY,1R43AI082745-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2010,1,99891.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Val Golovlev,,,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Kalvin Gregory,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this SBIR Phase I project is the development of a new drug discovery platform for screening new inhibitors of viral polymerases and for studying mechanisms of action of the prospective pharmaceutical compoun
ds. The main innovation in this project is the proposed concept of a multi-enzyme assay, which is able to measure efficiency and identify the mechanism of action of a viral polymerase inhibitor in a single experiment using a small reaction volume in realti
me detection mode using widely available commercial instruments (luminometers). The proposed platform is superior over the existing methods in that it substantially reduces the cost of reagents, reduces the assay time from days to minutes and is adaptable
to high-throughput format for application in large and small scale drug discovery projects. The proposed SBIR project is in response to the NIH call for new approaches aimed at reducing costs and increasing speed of preclinical drug development. PUB
LIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Antiviral therapy represents an important frontier for development of potential lifesaving products. Worldwide, millions of people suffer from viral infections each year. Approximately 360 million people worldwide suffer from hepatiti
s B virus, the major cause of liver cancer. Worldwide more than 170 million people are infected with hepatitis C, the leading cause of acute liver inflammation and liver cancer. Around the world more than 42 million people are infected with lifethreatening
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including more than 3 million children. To address the growing medical needs, there is a steady increase in the number of antiviral compounds in development. The proposed SBIR project will create a knowledge base and es
tablish a new technology, which reduces the cost and time of developing pharmaceutical antiviral products with a large health impact in the USA and around the world."
ENZYMATIC LUMINESCENCE microRNA ASSAY,2R44CA126647-03,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2010,2,760166.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Ye Sun,,,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Ye Sun,,8656712166,YE_SUN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a new highly sensitive and cost effective RNA Enzymatic Luminescence Assay (qELA) for high-throughput detection and quantification of microRNA in biological samples. The assay impl
ements the same detection concept known from pyrosequencing, yet expanding pyrosequencing detection methodology for highly sensitive and accurate quantification of small RNA molecules. The proposed assay can match the performance of the real time quantitat
ive PCR technique (rt-qPCR) in many applications and is simpler and more cost effective. The technology can be implemented in a number of commercial assays for application in life science research, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis. PUBLIC HEAL
TH RELEVANCE: The goal of this project is to develop a new high performance cost effective bioluminescence assay for microRNA analysis. The proposed assay provides technologically advanced and significantly less expensive alternative for real time polymera
se chain reaction technology, which currently dominates in the market. The proposed bioluminescent assay is universal and can be used in various applications in life science research, drug discovery, clinical diagnosis by 1,800 clinical laboratories and th
ousands of life science research laboratories in US."
Integrated Processing and Probabilistic Lifing Models for Superalloy Turbine Disks,FA8650-10-M-5111,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2010,1,99552.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Lorenz Nasser,President & CEO,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"There is a critical need for integrated material prediction tools to assure the United States future competitiveness and national security. Extensive libraries of integrated computational tools are available for structures, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electronics and manufacturing. These tools have radically reduced the time required to optimize new products for decreased cost and increased performance. However, analogous computational tools are not widely used in materials engineering. As a result, the product design and development cycle now outpaces the materials development cycle, leading to a considerable mismatch. The object of this SBIR is to develop techniques to link validated processing models that predict the following: (a) location-specific microstructure, (b) location-specific size distribution of life-limiting microstructural features resulting from variations in process parameters, and (c) complete distribution of the bulk residual stresses, with probabilistic microstructure-sensitive component life prediction codes. The work plan is based on VEXTEC's core competency in developing multidisciplinary probabilistic frameworks that integrate computational deterministic models for each of several disciplines to create stochastic system simulations. The techniques allows for uncertainty at each discipline to be tracked within the system model. Thus the sensitivities of the modeling parameters that drive the low life component are quantified. BENEFIT: New materials insertion into a new designs takes 10 to 20 years. New computational materials engineering tools integrated with existing product development processes will not only assure our nation security needs but reinforce the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. These tools promise to shorten the materials development by up to 80%."
Gearbox Load and Life Simulation Software,N68335-10-C-0400,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2010,2,1041095.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"CEO, President",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Director of Modeling&Si,(615) 372-0299,rholmes@vextec.com,"The overall objective of this proposed effort is to build a gearbox system life simulator that is capable of estimating loads and life of components (e.g., recommended removal time) based on the users""drive system design parameters (dimension, weight, diameter, number of teeth, material, loads, gear ratios, etc). This VEXTEC SBIR Phase II will take advantage of several previous DoD technology development investments. Under Phase I feasibility demonstration, the existing high fidelity modeling capability was enhanced with the addition of gearbox mission variability to a representative helicopter transmission system, resulting in a demonstrator tool. Over the Phase II period, this methodology will be further enhanced with an expanded helicopter transmission system and a robust complex mission capability to study transmission system durability under fielded conditions."
"Development of Multidisciplinary, Multi-Fidelity Analysis and Integration of Aerospace Vehicles",FA9550-10-C-0173,DOD,USAF,STTR,2010,2,749972.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"President, CEO",(615) 372-0299,lnasser@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,CPDO,(615) 372-0299,adey@vextec.com,"ABSTRACT: Current aircraft design approaches incorporate the use of many high fidelity models for point solutions of individual disciplines. Sophisticated model integration techniques are not yet readily available and a significant amount of individual discipline""stovepiping""exists. Individual handoffs of point solutions between disciplines often results in repeated individual data interpretations. These interpretations often lead to erroneous decisions and/or add-in design conservatism. The technical goals of the Phase II effort will be to develop a multi-disciplinary computational framework that can decide efficiently where to use high fidelity models and where low fidelity models are sufficient. A demonstration will be conducted on an aircraft design model combining multiple levels of aerodynamic loading, stress analysis and structural reliability. This Phase II will be set up to show that models from acoustic fatigue, structure and material disciplines can be efficiently, computationally combined to address structural reliability of the panel. The objective will be to show that mathematic complexity can be harnessed with this STTR demonstration to optimize the system reliability of a stiffened multi-bay aircraft panel. The fully-probabilistic models assess the uncertainty in design characteristics to determine the statistical distribution of the response throughout the system. BENEFIT: Simulation-based design and certification is fundamentally about making decisions with uncertainty. The methodology developed under this Phase II program will yield a computational framework that will help the engineer by providing guidance on the following key issues: (1) How will changing the scale and fidelity of the analysis impact the uncertainty in the results? (2)What is the actual uncertainty in the simulation results? The structure of this framework will support the system engineering processes typically used by military and commercial aircraft OEMs. Successful completion of this Phase II STTR program will yield a computational framework closely aligned with realizing the long term Air Force vision of developing""digital twin""of the future hypersonic vehicles capable of global strike.."
Novel Methods for Dissolving Blood Clots,1R41HL092750-01A2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2010,1,167685.00,"TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES, INC.",1840 Overton Park Avenue,,Memphis,TN,-,No,No,No,Elixabeth Reed,,901-275-4506,delizabethreed@translationalsciences.com,Guy L. Reed,,617-432-4992,glreed@translationalsciences.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Current therapies for cardiovascular disease are associated with partial success, restricted access, delays, possible neurotoxicity and other important limitations. Our goal is to develop a novel therapeutic agent that is safer and more effective at dissolving the blood clots (thrombi) that cause heart attacks and strokes. Studies of humans and mice with lifelong deficiency of a2-antiplasmin (a2AP) have shown that it is the major regulator of blood clot dissolution. We have produced high affinity monoclonal antibodies that induce functional a2AP deficiency. We have shown that these monoclonal antibodies cause venous thrombi and pulmonary emboli to dissolve invivo. They also accelerate the dissolution of cerebral arterial thrombi-thereby reducing stroke size without increasing bleeding. In this Phase I application, we will modify these promising antibodies by molecular engineering techniques to convert them into potential therapeutics suitable for human trials. In Aim 1 we will engineer and express a chimerized antibody and antibody fragment (Fab). In Aim 2 we will evaluate the relative abilities of the antibody and antibody fragment to bind and inhibit a2AP and enhance blood clot dissolution. With successful completion of these aims we will pursue a Phase II application to optimize the production of these molecules in order to examine their safety and efficacy in suitable pre-clinical models. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Each year ~ 1.6 million Americans suffer a heart attack or stroke. The resulting death and disability costs the U.S. a staggering 316 billion a year. Current therapies are associated with partial success, restricted access, delays, possible neurotoxicity and other important limitations. This project seeks to develop a novel therapy for heart attacks and strokes that could markedly reduce death, disability and costs."
An Advanced Biosensor for Molecular Interaction Studies,1R41GM090456-01A1,HHS,HHS,STTR,2010,1,256853.00,"MOLECULAR SENSING, INC.",111 10th Ave South,Suite 110,Nashville,TN,37203-,No,No,No,Scot Weinberger,,650-728-8110,sweinberger@molsense.com,Scot R. Weinberger,,408-335-1379,sweinberger@molsense.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Molecular interactions are central to the understanding of basic biology and cellular function, are paramount to all molecular assays (research and in vitro diagnostics), are essential in biomarker discovery and critical toward evaluating therapeutics. However, the tools available to quantify these interactions have limitations, in so far as they either rely upon altering the native state of the interacting molecules by incorporating labeling schemes, demanding surface immobilization of one of the interacting moieties or require prohibitive quantities of sample. The ability to perform pure liquid-phase molecular binding analysis at high sensitivity, in a miniaturized format, is therefore desirable and has now been demonstrated with back-scattering interferometry (BSI). BSI employs a simple and inexpensive optical train comprised of a He-Ne laser, a microfluidic channel, and a position sensor monitoring minute refractive index changes. These measurements may be made withina microfluidic channel formed in glass, fused silica, or plastic and at physiologically relevant concentrations in complex matrices. Yet the current embodiment of BSI is limited. Tedious alignment methods, immature transduction schemes, poorly refined sample handling and introduction methods, expensive disposable chips, and performance limitations due to environmental noise sensitivity, all impede the wide dissemination and adoption of BSI in the life science and drug discovery communities. We propose to refine BSI, facilitating commercialization by Molecular Sensing Inc. and allowing the subsequent broad dissemination in the biological research community (under a future Phase II grant). Under this Phase I project, we will enable transfer to the industrial sector by performing three specific aims: 1) constructing an optically simple two channel BSI for enhanced S/N and environmental noise compensation, 2) simplifying alignment and improving performance through the use of a cross-correlation based position sensing algorithm and 3) implementing a user friendly graphical interface (GUI). Model interaction systems will be used to demonstrate that BSI gives meaningful and quantitative binding affinity values (from lt M to pM) and that it can be used to screen for molecular interactions in various matrices (serum, cell-free media, DMSO). PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Proteins interact constantly with one another and with other entities in the cellular and extracellular environment. However, sensitive in vitro methods to monitor such interactions, in particular methods that are label-free and do not involve surface immobilization, have until recently been lacking. Free-solution, label-free, molecular interactions can now be investigated using back-scattering interferometry (BSI), allowing quantification of KD values ranging from micromolar to picomolar using miniscule quantities of the binding pairs. With BSI, little a priori knowledge about the proteins, antibodies, or drug targets etc. is necessary to quantify the level of interaction and screen for efficacy or perform a diagnosis. The BSI methodology has the potential to shift the paradigm for molecular interaction studies, allowing screening for unknown binding partners of orphan receptors, study of inhibitors forGPCR targets, as well as for numerous other binding pairs and is likely applicable to diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring in human specimens. Furthermore, the technology is simple and inexpensive allowing for the potential of BSI to be widely disseminated."
Carbon Nanotube Plasma Limiter,W31P4Q-09-C-0099,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2009,2,736312.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Luke Gritter,Principal Investigator,4238944646,lgritter@accurate-automation.com,"The enabling solid state semiconductor technology in modern electronics and radar systems increases their vulnerability to the effects of high power, fast rise-time EMP, HPM, and UWB pulses. In recent years, significant advances in the technology used to produce these pulses have been made in the United States and abroad, increasing the need for effective protection against these threats. However, currently available protection devices are incapable of achieving the necessary combination of fast response time, high power handling capability, and low impact on system performance demanded by modern radar systems. To meet this need, Plasma Sciences Corporation is taking advantage of recent advances in nanotechnology to create a plasma limiter capable of both high speed and high power operation while having minimal degradation on normal system performance. Existing plasma limiter technology utilizes metallic point-plane electrode configurations, but the advent of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays presents an opportunity to generate a breakthrough in plasma limiter performance. Using a CNT array as a field enhancing electrode in a plasma limiter promises to offer faster reaction time, higher power handling capability, lower insertion loss, and greater reliability than existing systems, providing effective protection for radar systems against high power, fast rise-time pulses."
Portable Non-Contact Heating and Soldering Tool,N68335-09-C-0173,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2009,1,79960.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,Principal Investigator,4238644646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Roger Sanders,Principal Investigator,4238944646,rsanders@accurate-automation.com,"Currently available soldering and heat gun systems have several significant deficiencies that can result in lower quality repairs and higher maintenance costs. The existing soldering irons naturally lead to cross-contamination between leaded and lead-free solders, resulting in degraded solder joints. The existing heat guns require bulky accessories and/or external electric power, making them unwieldy and causing the repair process to be slower and more difficult. The current battery operated systems are more portable, but they have less heating capability and short operating times. In response to these needs, Accurate Automation Corporation is developing a unique tool that utilizes infrared energy to perform both non-contact soldering and heat shrinking. This innovative product will provide for lower maintenance costs and higher quality repairs by offering improved portability, longer operating time, and multifunctional capability while preventing solder cross contamination."
Time Variation of Workflow Processes to Confound Enemy Proactivity,W15P7T-09-C-C451,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2009,1,69588.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,4238944646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) proposes to develop a new method for ensuring that workflow processes are opaque to the enemy. That is, the enemy cannot produce effective counter operations by leveraging knowledge of how U.S. Army institutions work. Simultaneously, the U.S. Army's internal processes will remain transparent and understandable to coordinating units with appropriate access. Any workflow, algorithm, or controller can be augmented so long as the stakeholders can agree to allowable variations in their processes, enabling flexibility of choice. This issue is particularly important with regards to workflows that involve information fusion and reduction. This is because such workflows provide the enemy with an opportunity to exploit artificial limitations on the knowledge of battlefield commanders and their support organizations. AAC will also apply a unique sensor fusion method to the task of fusing what would otherwise be an overwhelming stream of information into usable inputs to a planning system."
Passive Coherent Laser Amplifier Combining,N00024-09-C-4147,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2009,2,1499869.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,Principal Investigator,(423) 864-4646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Roger Sanders,Principal Investigator,(423) 894-4646,rsanders@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will have two existing NAVSEA 1 kW fiber laser amplifiers modified to correct a previously identified problem of four-wave mixing. After testing to verify performance of the refurbished laser amplifiers, AAC will conduct tests with this equipment using a passive coherent combining technique patented by Northrop Grumman Corporation. The testing will indicate the degree of coherency achievable with high power laser amplifier through this approach. AAC will also prepare an integration plan for incorporating the fiber laser amplifier system into an unmanned surface vehicle platform for use as a directed energy weapon."
Advanced Techniques for On-Line Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics of Digital Rod Position Indication Systems for Existing and Next Generation Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-09ER85269,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99978.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656921756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Greg Morton,Mr.,8656911756,gmorton@ams-corp.com,"The designs of many existing Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) incorporate a Digital Rod Position Indication (DRPI) system to monitor the positions of the control and shutdown rods within the reactor. These DRPI systems have been in service for over 30 years in nuclear power stations worldwide, and are currently being used as the basis for the rod position indication systems in new designs. In recent years, however, aging and obsolescence issues have led to an increase in problems with the DRPI systems. These problems include analog card failures and coil cable connection issues. These problems, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the industry to actively seek viable options to monitor the health and accuracy of these DRPI systems, in order to ensure reliable plant operations for decades to come. As such, this project will establish the feasibility of an advanced DRPI diagnostic system for existing and new PWR reactors. In Phase II, a complete system will be developed for deployment in an existing PWR. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardeeThe technology should provide the enhanced diagnostic capabilities needed to monitor DRPI system components in nuclear power plants."
Application of Wireless Sensors for Predictive Maintenance of Rotating Equipment in DOE's Research Reactors,DE-FG02-08ER85004,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,2,749736.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem M. Hashemian,Mr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"Research reactors in the United States use numerous motors, compressors, fans, turbines, and other rotating equipment that need systematic maintenance. These devices could benefit from advanced predictive maintenance techniques that have become available in recent years. Although some reactor facilities currently incorporate some of these techniques, many lack an adequate complement of test sensors for predictive maintenance. This project will combine wireless sensors with other advanced predictive maintenance techniques to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of DOE research reactors. In Phase I, several wireless sensor systems were installed at an operating research reactor, and the feasibility of using wireless sensors for condition monitoring of rotating equipment was established. A conceptual design for a prototype wireless condition monitoring system was developed. Phase II will develop an integrated wireless monitoring system consisting of (1) ruggedized hardware for use in outdoor installations, and (2) custom software algorithms for processing and analyzing data collected from the wireless sensor arrays. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should help with both the safety and economy of research reactors by significantly improving the facility¿s predictive maintenance program, while at the same time reducing the amount of labor required to perform predictive maintenance tasks. In addition to research reactors, the technology should benefit commercial nuclear power reactors and all industrial installations that involve rotating equipment."
On-Line Monitoring Technology for Aging Management and Life Extension of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory,DE-FG02-09ER85268,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99711.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem Hashemian,Mr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has a long history of service to the nation and is expected to continue to operate for many more years. Recently, ATR was designated as a user facility, making it accessible to a wider spectrum of researchers, engineers, and scientists from around the globe. In order to preserve this valuable asset, this project will establish the feasibility of implementing modern maintenance technologies at ATR. In particular, the latest in on-line monitoring technologies will be employed to optimize the reliability of ATR and its equipment, especially ATR¿s rotating equipment and instrumentation and control systems. The technologies to be developed under this project will have applications in most research reactors even though the proposed R&D will use the ATR as the test bed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardeeThe maintenance technologies should have applications in research reactors, commercial nuclear power plants, and industrial processes for improving equipment and process safety, efficiency, and reliability. Over the next 10 years, the market for this technology is estimated to be approximately $50 million."
PictureRx: An Intervention to Reduce Latino Health Disparities,1R43MD004048-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2009,1,395292.00,"SAI INTERACTIVE, INC.",340 FRAZIER AVE,,CHATTANOOGA,TN,37405-4050,Yes,No,No,Dane Boyington,,,dane@keytrain.com,Dane R. Boyington,,4232662244,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Major health disparities in chronic disease control and outcomes exist among Latinos, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. If these disparities continue, demographic trends will magnify their adverse heal
th, societal, and economic impact. Chronic disease control often requires successful management of multiple prescription medications, yet many patients struggle to understand medication information, which contributes to poor adherence and outcomes. The sit
uation is particularly challenging for Latino patients, the majority of whom have low health literacy and/or limited English proficiency. Medication instructions that incorporate illustrations and plain language have been proven to enhance medication manag
ement, particularly among patients with low health literacy. However, few tools have been developed to generate such instructions in a way that could be delivered to Latino and other underserved populations. PictureRx is an innovative, effective, affordabl
e, evidence-based technology which enables patients, their caregivers, or health professionals to rapidly develop illustrated medication instructions. The PictureRx platform, which is available in English via the internet, is well-suited for adaptation to
serve the needs of the Latino community, where it may enhance medication management and reduce health disparities. The Specific Aims of this proposal are to: 1) Adapt PictureRx into a Spanish-language, culturally appropriate educational intervention for i
mproving medication management and outcomes among Latinos, and 2) Conduct a small randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of the Spanish-language PictureRx, compared to traditional prescription instructions, on Latinos' knowledge of their medica
tion regimens. The project team consists of experienced software engineers and academic physicians with expertise in business development and clinical research among underserved populations. For Aim 1, we will conduct focus groups and interviews with Lati
no patients, their caregivers, and health care professionals, as well as leading national experts who have agreed to serve as key informants. We will use this information in an iterative fashion to adapt PictureRx for the Latino community. For Aim 2, we wi
ll enroll 200 patients in a randomized study at the Cayce Clinic, a safety net clinic which primarily serves Latino patients. Patients in the intervention group will receive PictureRx illustrated schedules of their daily medication regimen, while those in
the control group will receive usual care. The study will evaluate the effect of PictureRx on Latino patients' understanding of their medication regimen (primary outcome), as well as their self-reported adherence (secondary outcome). Through a process of
development and evaluation which engages the Latino community, our goal is to complete a culturally-appropriate and effective adaptation of PictureRx for Latinos. This will set the stage for subsequent efforts to disseminate PictureRx as an appropriate tec
hnology to reduce health disparities. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The Institute of Medicine and this SBIR announcement have called for innovative approaches to reduce health disparities. The need for such interventions may be greatest among Latinos, wh
o represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. PictureRx is an innovative, effective, affordable, and evidence-based technology that produces illustrated medication instructions to improve medication management. This proposal seeks to deve
lop a culturally-appropriate adaptation of PictureRx for the Latino community that may serve as an effective technology to reduce Latino health disparities"
Radioprotection by use of Topical Lithium Formulations,1R41CA130191-01A2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2009,1,121528.00,"CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.",CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC.,"2525 WEST END AVE, STE 950",NASHVILLE,TN,37203,No,No,No,Diane S. Keeney,,,dkeeney@cumberlandpharma.com,Dennis E. Hallahan,,3143629700,DHALLAHAN@RADONC.WUSTL.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Roughly 500,000 cancer patients are treated with radiotherapy each year. Acute and late sequelae of radiotherapy have a negative impact upon the quality of life of cancer survivors. These sequelae include proctitis, cys
titis, esophageal stricture, cutaneous fibrosis plus others. We propose a novel means of preventing the acute and late radiation injury to normal tissues in these patients. Inhibitors of GSK-32 pathway can serve as radiation protective agents. Lithium can
inhibit the GSK-32 pathway. Lithium-containing topical formulations are candidates for being effective radioprotectors by delivering the metal ion to the basal cell layer of epidermis (progenitor cells), preventing radio-induced apoptosis in normal cells i
n the skin overlying areas of radiation treatment. A total 12 prototype formulations will be screened in a radiation-induced injury porcine model. Six of the formulations will contain lithium succinate and the other six will contain lithium lactate. Two le
vels of the lithium salts will be screened (1% and 10%), each as an ointment, a gel, and an emulsion (cream). The best formulation(s) will be selected based on induction of proteins that enhance cell viability and inhibition of radiation-induced apoptosis.
The efficacy and safety of selected formulations will be optimized in Phase II, supporting proof-of-concept for testing in humans and an IND submission to the FDA. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Over 500,000 cancer patients are treated with radiotherapy
each year, and there are presently 10,000,000 cancer survivors in the US. Acute and late sequelae of radiotherapy have a negative impact upon the quality of life of cancer survivors. The goal of this proposal is to attenuate skin injury through developmen
t of a topical drug that markedly enhances the viability of the epidermis when administered before irradiation therapy to cancer patients undergoing targeted treatment of deeper tumors with radiation therapy."
"Mannan, A Potential Therapeutic for Asthma",1R41HL090108-01A2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2009,1,111805.00,"CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.",CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC.,"2525 WEST END AVE, STE 950",NASHVILLE,TN,37203,No,No,No,Leo Pavliv,,,dkeeney@cumberlandpharma.com,Dukhee B. Lew,,9015725370,DLEW@UTHSC.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term goal of this application is to develop mannan derived from Baker's yeast as asthma therapy. The limitations of currently available immunomodulators are their toxicity at higher doses and the lack of benefi
cial effect on airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling and therefore, new adjunctive therapeutics are needed. Initial findings in the P.I.'s laboratory have shown that mannan from S. cerevisiae, a carbohydrate-based prebiotic polymannose agent, inhibits airw
ay inflammation, hyperreactivity (AHR) and ASM remodeling. Our central hypothesis is that mannan from S. cerevisiae is a novel class of immunomodulator that suppresses ASM remodeling. Studies are proposed 1) to determine the optimum dose and dose timing of
mannan administered intranasally. 2) to determine the optimum dose and dose timining of mannan administered orally. The University of Tennessee College of Medicine Department of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology and Cumberland Emerging Technologies Inc (CET),
an affiliate of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc (CPI), are collaborating to identify and develop promising pharmaceutical therapies for treating and preventing asthma. The P.I. will conduct preclinical studies outlined in the proposal and CET will develop t
he product for the preclinical and clinical trials. The knowledge gained from these studies will provide a novel class of adjuctive asthma therapy that will modulate ASM remodeling and will lead to a unique intranasal and oral products that will benefit as
thmatics and patients with other related diseases. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Our central hypothesis is that mannan from S. cerevisiae is a novel class of immunomodulator that suppresses ASM remodeling. The long-term goal of this application is to develop ma
nnan derived from Baker's yeast as asthma therapy."
STTR Phase II: Development of a Remote Climbing Robot for Automating Welding Processes in the Shipbuilding Industry,0849008,NSF,NSF,STTR,2009,2,499994.00,Robotic Technologies of Tennessee,2560 Nova Circle,,Cookeville,TN,38501-5600,No,No,No,Jamie W. Beard,PhD,6153908723,jamiebeard@charter.net,Jamie W. Beard,PhD,6153908723,jamiebeard@charter.net,"This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will advance a Mobile Robotic Welding System (MRWS) to significantly improve automated ship fabrication techniques in the United States. Providing automation to the American shipbuilding industry poses significant challenges. Traditional robotic systems are inadequate in industries such as shipbuilding characterized by size and scale because of their inherent inability to adhere and maneuver across uneven and even inverted environments while maintaining a weld. The team addresses these problems by merging recent climbing robot technology developed for remote inspection tasks in the electric power industry with automated welding equipment. This project will advance this technology, moving it from the laboratory to the field and address the technical challenges posed by real-world conditions. This will include vehicle and manipulator interaction in a dynamic environment, sensor systems capable of handling variable conditions, and robust navigation and control algorithms with self preserving and correcting behaviors. This proposed effort focuses on technology innovation to significantly advance automation of manufacturing, inspection and maintenance processes through an autonomous, mobile climbing robot. If successful the outcome of this project will additionally advance the state of knowledge in performing robotic tasks remotely in unstructured environments. The general need for such capability in robotics is immense. Shipbuilding is an extremely labor-intensive, $15 billion dollar industry in the US, and its success depends on improvements in productivity. Over $40 trillion will be spent worldwide in infrastructure spending between 2005 and 2030. The US will spend $6.52 trillion overall and $1.53 trillion in energy/power segment with includes pipelines, storage facilities and alternative energy."
Cryogenic Rotary Piezoelectric Motor,NNX09CA74C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2009,2,599996.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,VP Operations,6155956665,info@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Principal Investigator,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Piezoelectric motors operate on the principal of converting the high-frequency oscillation of high-force, precision ceramic elements into useful continuous motion. High-power oscillations are converted to rotary motion through novel transmission mechanisms to produce high-torque, precision motion. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) focused the Phase I innovation on the development and design of a precision rotary motor mechanism that employs piezoelectric oscillatory power and produces rotary motion for operation at cryogenic and extreme environments. The successful design of a high-torque prototype mechanism and the subsequent Phase I demonstration of the prototype under vacuum conditions lays the groundwork for the technology to reach product status and commercialization success in both NASA and non-NASA applications. Phase II efforts will refine the innovation with additional focus on developing the fundamental understanding of rotary piezoelectric motor design and implementation. The Phase II prototypes will be fully characterized over a temperature range of approximately 25K to 400 K in hard vacuum. The construction materials of this type of mechanism are inherently vacuum compatible and will be selected to provide very low or no outgassing. DSM has already demonstrated operation of its high-force linear piezoelectric motors for environments as low as 77 K."
"Development of High Energy, Low Temperature Rechargeable Battery for Load Leveling Application",DE-FG02-09ER85348,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99679.00,"Electrochemical Systems, Inc.",9052 High Bridge Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Josip Caja,Mr.,8654832559,jcaja@electrochemicalsystems.com,Josip Caja,Mr.,8654832559,jcaja@electrochemicalsystems.com,"The most common method for utility energy storage in the US is pumped hydro, which has very low energy density (~ 1.1 kWh/m3) and long response times (1 to 5 min). Another method is the use of rechargeable batteries such as lead acid batteries (40 kWh/m3), which require high maintenance and have a low cycle life. Therefore, the DOE is interested in finding novel battery chemistries that have the potential to meet the long term needs for large-scale storage battery systems. In this project, a high voltage (>4.2 V per cell), high energy density, rechargeable, maintenance-free cell, which operates at low temperatures (120oC to 150oC), will be developed. The energy density of the cell will be improved by increasing the concentration of sulfur in the cathode. The battery is expected to produce thousands of charge discharge cycles and have rapid response times. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new battery will store energy from various sources, including renewable sources, more economically and reliably than presently available systems. The battery could be of big benefit to utility companies, and to the public in general, by cost effectively storing unused electrical energy and making it available for delivery during high demand periods."
Recombinant Expression and Characterization of Novel Cellulases for Switchgrass Ethanol Production,DE-FG02-09ER85337,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99658.00,"Proteogenesis, Llc",2109 W. Market Street,,Johnson City,TN,37604,No,No,No,Doug Corrigan,Dr.,4239264449,dougcorrigan@proteogenesis.net,Doug Corrigan,Dr.,4239264449,dougcorrigan@proteogenesis.net,"It is becoming increasingly apparent that we, as a nation, need to quickly develop an alternative and sustainable energy supply. This is due to a host of factors, including uncontrollable fluctuation in oil prices, large oil supplies being controlled by foreign regimes, global shrinking oil supplies, increased global energy demands from emerging economies such as China and India, and unhealthy rises in greenhouse gases associated with fossil fuels. To address this situation, the DOE has identified switch grass as an ideal crop for conversion into bioethanol, and many efforts are now underway to develop a conversion process that is economically practical. The process bottleneck is the breakdown of switch grass cellulose into simple sugars by a group of enzymes known as cellulases. This project will develop a novel enzyme, or set of enzymes, that are capable of breaking down switch grass cellulose into the sugars that are required for ethanol production. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The realization of this technology would result in a renewable source of clean energy, reduction of our dependence on foreign oil, and the creation of a new agricultural and biotechnology market in the United States"
Real-time Prediction of Formaldehyde (H2CO) Emissions during Wood-Based Panels Manufacturing,,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2009,1,80000.00,ASSURED BIOTECHNOLOGY CORP.,228 MIDWAY LN STE B,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830 7916,No,No,Yes,Lyn Pope,Lab Manager,8658131700,lpope@assuredbio.com,Edward Sobek,Chief Science Officer,8658131700,esobek@assuredbio.com,"Formaldehyde (H2CO) has been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) since 2004. Formaldehyde is the most important aldehyde produced commercially, and is used in the preparation of urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins. One source of formaldehyde in homes, schools, and offices comes from furniture and cabinets manufactured from composite wood products such as particleboard (PB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and hardwood plywood (HWPW). Composite wood products use urea formaldehyde (UF) based resins to bind fibers together. Formaldehyde in composites is significant enough that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently issued regulations to cap formaldehyde emissions from composite panels used in finished consumer products made from these panels. EPA has been petitioned to make the CARB standard into a federal regulation and is expected to publish an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on this issue this fall. The EPA, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control have identified levels above 0.1 ppm, as a concern for exposure by sensitive populations. Existing standards and regulations (ANSI A208.1 and A208.2, HUD 24CFR3280.308) limit formaldehyde emissions for HWPW, PB, and MDF panels. However, formaldehyde levels in numerous FEMA trailers issued to hurricane Katrina victims greatly exceed the 0.1 ppm benchmark with some even exceeding the OSHA limit of 0.75 ppm, indicating that many high H2CO emitting products go undetected during manufacturing. As H2CO emission standards become more stringent (e.g., CARB regulations, potentially EPA), there is an urgent need for continuous monitoring of formaldehyde emissions during manufacture. Accurate on-line monitoring will allow manufacturers to gain tighter control of emission levels, reduce rejected lots, reduce claims, and improve profitability. Ultimately, real-time formaldehyde emissions monitoring will improve indoor air quality. Assured Biotechnology Corporation proposes to develop a continuous on-line monitoring system that will merge near infrared (NIR) measurements with plant process parameters to achieve high levels of prediction of H2CO. The objective of this Phase I research is to further evaluate an alpha-prototype real-time NIR spectroscopy hardware and software system to accurately detect H2CO emissions. Assured Biotechnology Corporation will use multivariate methods with the NIR spectroscopy data fused with critical process variable data to generate accurate calibration models. A commercial-ready system will be identified from Phase I results. A real-time H2CO on-line monitoring device will have great commercial potential with U.S. manufacturers and with foreign importers to the U.S. as CARB and other standards are enforced on imported products that emit H2CO."
Scramjet Combustion Stability Behavior Modeling,NNX09CC82P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2009,1,99685.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,Business Official,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,Principal Investigator,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"A recent breakthrough in combustion stability analysis (UCDS) offers the means to accurately predict the combustion stability of a scramjet. This capability is very important due to the extreme scramjet operational environment, which makes cut-and-try development approaches impractical. With UCDS, it is now possible to accurately predict the scramjet pressure oscillation amplitudes, along with critical parameters, including the unsteady wall heat flux.
The UCDS tools were recently applied to the Ares I thrust oscillation issue in support of NASA's Thrust Oscillation Focus Team (TOFT). This effort included the analysis of the Shuttle four segment solid rocket motor (RSRM) to validate the capabilities of UCDS. After analyzing the new five segment (RSRMV) motor being developed for Ares I, GTL used the UCDS insight to identify a relatively minor motor modification that will eliminate the organized motor oscillations.
With this validation of the capabilities and effectiveness of UCDS, GTL proposes to extend the application of UCDS by applying it to examine the stability characteristics of a representative scramjet. In addition to predicting the amplitudes of the scramjet pressure oscillations, a UCDS sensitivity analysis will be used to identify critical design parameters and establish development guidelines."
Rocket Stability Design Tool Enhancement,FA8650-09-M-2023,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2009,1,99842.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,"Building upon the successful use of the Universal Combustion Device Stability (UCDS) process to resolve NASAs Ares I thrust oscillation issue, the proposed effort will optimize UCDS for application to the oxygen-rich staged combustion (ORSC) cycle under development by the Air Force. This will be accomplished by refining the way UCDS models the propellant injection into the chamber. By providing a more precise representation of the actual conditions expected in ORSC engines, the fidelity of the UCDS predictions will be increased. The UCDS Process is the culmination of over 40 years of research into combustion instability phenomena and provides unprecedented insight into the dynamic environment in a combustion chamber. With UCDS, it is now possible to accurately determine the oscillatory characteristics of propulsion devices, including pressure oscillation amplitudes and waveforms, unsteady surface heat transfer rates, and mean property excursions. UCDS achieves this predictive capability by including all verifiable energy gain and loss mechanisms, and using only measurable or known parameters in the modeling. BENEFITS: The Air Force faces a steep and expensive learning curve if it follows the traditional develop path for the next generation hydrocarbon boost engines due to a lack of heritage and effective scaling rules. However, UCDS offers the means to understand the complex dynamic processes at work in liquid rocket engine, and thereby eliminate the need for trial-and-error during engine development. With the proposed refinements, it will be possible to achieve a more precise representation of a liquid rocket engine, thereby allowing UCDS to generate higher fidelity results. This increased fidelity will aid in the development of the hydrocarbon boost engines. In addition to the Air Force hydrocarbon boost program, UCDS can be applied to practically any propulsion development program to eliminate the risks from combustion instability that all such programs share. Since UCDS is built from a general formulation, it can be used on practically any combustion device, including rockets (liquid, solid, hybrid), turbojets (combustors, augmentors), ramjets, scramjets, combined cycle engines and so on. As such, potential customers for UCDS services include government agencies, such as NASA, Air Force, Army, Navy, MDA, and DARPA, and propulsion system developers, such as ATK, Aerojet, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and many others."
Advanced Flywheel Energy Storage,W31P4Q-10-C-0072,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2009,1,98998.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Vice-President,9513044086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"Applying multivariable optimization in conjunction with modern materials technology has revealed an opportunity to dramatically improve flywheel energy storage technology. Using this innovative approach, GTL's Advanced FlywheelT could deliver 500 W-hr/kg with the potential to achieve in excess of 1000 W-hr/kg. This represents a substantial increase in performance over conventional high-performance energy storage technologies that deliver 100-300 W-hr/kg. While it has long been believed that the maximum energy density of a flywheel is achieved with the classic heavy-rim flywheel design. By controlling the location, orientation and curvature of each fiber, the Advanced Flywheel design ensures that the strength and inertia of every fiber is fully utilized while also minimizing or eliminating any under performing material. This allows the opportunity to exceed the classic flywheel performance limit. In the proposed effort, after developing the preliminary design of the overall Advanced Flywheel Energy Storage system, a detailed design of the Advanced Flywheel rotor will be created. A proof-of-concept unit will then be fabricated and tested to verify the performance potential of the design. The results of this effort will be used to determine the maximum performance that can be achieved with this transformational technology."
Cryo-composite Tank for HyperBAT,W31P4Q-09-C-0578,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2009,1,98998.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gtlcompany.com,Zachary Taylor,Vice-President,9513044086,zachary.taylor@gtlcompany.com,"To achieve the high propellant mass fraction (PMF) required by future high energy propulsion systems, light-weight propellant tanks are essential. GTL's Supra-tanksT can approach the theoretical performance limit for carbon fiber pressure vessels using cryogenic or room-temperature propellants. By combining the Blended Hybrid LaminateT (BHLT) technology with aspects of the Highly Integrated Modular StructureT (HIMST) technology, the performance of cryogenic pressure vessels can be reduced to far less than 1.0 lbm/ft3 with an extremely high cycle life, even at relatively small sizes. GTL proposes to demonstrate the Supra-tank developing the HyperBAT (Hypersonic Ballistic Transport) technology demonstration vehicle. The HyperBAT is a small scalable stage designed to carry a 100 lbm payload with an ideal velocity change of 25,000 fps. This reusable vehicle is designed to accommodate a series of upgrades to demonstrate a series of technologies before incorporation into an optimized operational system. In the Phase I effort, GTL proposes to fabricate subscale pressure vessels using the BHL technology. These units will be subjected to repeated cryo-pressure cycling to verify the capabilities of the technology. Based on these results, GTL will develop the preliminary design of a full-scale tank for the HyperBAT demonstration vehicle."
International Science Education Federated Search Engine,DE-FG02-09ER85450,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99610.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Stephanie Cusastis,Ms.,8652981262,scusatis@iiaweb.com,Mark Martin,Mr.,8654810388,mmartim@iiaweb.com,"This project will develop a prototype a federated search engine and web service for locating international science education research results based on supplied query terms. This prototype system will provide capabilities that will expand the functionality currently being developed for sciencedducation.gov, a United States centric science education federated search engine. A core component of this project will be the identification of as many English-language¿based international science education sites as possible. Once this list is created, a simple federated search engine will be developed that will provide search functionality across the identified sites. This search engine will be based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles and will allow for and provide mechanisms to enable data sharing between this prototype application and other science education search engines, such as scienceeducation.gov. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: This federated search engine should increase the exposure of relatively untapped sources of educational information that are freely provided by other countries. Initially, the primary users will be government agencies."
Interactive Peer-to-Peer Scientific Communication in the Digital Library Environment,DE-FG02-08ER85096,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,2,749943.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel B. Azpurua-Linares,Ms.,8652981226,Franciel@iiaweb.com,Edrick G. Coppock,Mr.,8652981241,edrick@iiaweb.com,"Government digital libraries ¿ such as the DOE¿s Office of Scientific and Technical Information¿s Information Bridge, Energy Citation Database, and other resources ¿ have a unique opportunity to facilitate communication between scientific communities of common interest. This project will add functionality to these libraries by allowing users to communicate and collaborate about the technical information they seek, using this information as a catalyst for discussion and collaboration. In Phase I, a limited functionality prototype tool was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of enabling interactive peer-to-peer scientific communication in the digital library setting. Phase I also included a comprehensive survey of available commercial technologies to determine whether any commercial-off-the-shelf products could support the peer-to-peer communications that are anticipated. In Phase II, this survey information will be synthesized in order to develop and refine the final requirements for the enhanced prototype. An enhanced system design ¿ including a plan for the configuration, development, integration, and testing of a peer-to-peer system ¿ will be developed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should benefit any research institution or information provider that makes a body of scientific information available. The communication mechanism would enable members of scientific communities to discover other professionals with common interests, facilitating a broader perspective on specific topics and increasing and enhancing the amount and quality of information available."
Web Metrics Analysis for Digital Libraries Based on Scientific and Technical Information,DE-FG02-09ER85449,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99667.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Stephanie Cusastis,Ms.,8652981262,scusatis@iiaweb.com,Edrick Coppock,Mr.,8652981241,coppocke@iiaweb.com,"Today, a gap exists in reporting web metrics. Standard metrics tools do not have the ability to combine information about web resources with product-level details, such as the number of full-text downloads or specific user queries. This project will develop a prototype web metrics analysis system for the use of digital libraries that specialize in scientific and technical information (STI). The prototype system will provide mechanisms for analyzing and reporting web traffic patterns, electronic full-text downloads, and user queries. This functionality will encompass the analysis of, and reporting on, the entire digital library environment, including specific information-dissemination products in the digital library, and subject category or other classification means within the dissemination products. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The web metrics analysis system would enable curators of STI digital library environments to use the full range of data collected to improve decision-making processes."
OptiPush Wheelchair Training System,2R44HD052311-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2009,2,745834.00,MAX MOBILITY,5425 Mount View Parkway,,ANTIOCH,TN,37013-3149,No,No,No,Mark W. Richter,,,mark@max-mobility.com,W. M. Richter,,6157311860,MARK@MAX-MOBILITY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): OptiPush Wheelchair Training System Wheelchair users are over twice as likely to be obese as people in the general population. The solution to obesity in the wheelchair user population is the same as it is in the gener
al population, a healthy diet and regular exercise. The limited availability of wheelchair accessible cardiovascular exercise equipment may be contributing to lack of regular exercise in this population. Obesity among wheelchair users has led to secondary
conditions such as heart disease and upper extremity (UE) pain and injury. Over half of the wheelchair user population has developed UE pain and injury. Body weight has been found to be a predictor of UE injury, with heavier users being more prone to injur
y. In addition to losing weight, training users such that they develop the strength and skills to push with less frequent, long, smooth strokes is currently recommended to help protect them from developing injuries. The OptiPush Wheelchair Training System
(WTS) is a wheelchair-accessible treadmill that allows the wheelchair user to improve cardiovascular fitness, exercise capacity, strength and propulsion technique. In Phase I of the project, a proof of concept prototype was developed and evaluated by three
wheelchair users during a 6-week exercise study. The wheelchair is secured to the treadmill by a dynamic tether system, which allows the wheelchair to move freely along the length of the treadmill but prevents it from tipping over, veering off course or r
olling off the rear. Subjects were able to independently and safely use the OptiPush prototype and experienced significant improvements in cardiovascular health. The goals in Phase II of the project are to improve the design of the OptiPush treadmill and d
evelop a commercial version that can be made available to individual users, gyms and rehabilitation centers. Push cadence and distance biofeedback will be provided to encourage users to use less frequent, long, smooth strokes. As a result of this project,
wheelchair users will have increased access to cardiovascular fitness equipment and biofeedback training tools, enabling them to maintain cardiovascular health and improve their propulsion technique. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: OptiPush Wheelchair Training Sy
stem Relevance to Public Health Manual wheelchair users are at considerable risk of being obese, developing cardiovascular disease and developing upper limb overuse injuries. Two preventative measures are to exercise regularly and follow propulsion techniq
ue guidelines. This project will develop a wheelchair accessible treadmill with propulsion biofeedback that enables wheelchair users to independently and safely exercise while improving their propulsion technique."
SBIR Phase I: Microbial Source Tracking Using Mitochondrial DNA for Identification of Contaminant Sources,0910417,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2009,1,100000.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,Brett Baldwin,DEng,8655738188,bbaldwin@microbe.com,Brett Baldwin,DEng,8655738188,bbaldwin@microbe.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will result in a suite of microbial source tracking assays to provide cost-effective identification of fecal contamination sources in surface waters. Beach closures and advisories exceeded 20,000 days in each of the past 3 years with more than 60% caused by fecal pollution. Overall, 13% of surface waters do not meet quality standards due to fecal contamination. The problem continues more than 30 years after the Clean Water Act because traditional methods cannot identify fecal inputs from the myriad of human (wastewater treatment plants, septic fields), agricultural (confined animal feeding operations), and natural wildlife activities. Microbial source tracking (MST) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) offers a rapid but sensitive approach to quantify fecal inputs and most importantly identify the source. The primary milestone of the project will be rigorously validated qPCR assays that provide conclusive identification of fecal contamination sources allowing end users to eliminate fecal inputs and protect human health. The broader impact of this research is the development and validation of an mtDNA based qPCR method to identify fecal contamination sources which will ultimately lead to improved water quality. Fecal contamination of water resources currently results in beach closures and restrictions on shellfish harvesting that severely impact waterfront communities. Moreover, periodic outbreaks of waterborne diseases clearly highlight the need for improved detection of fecal contamination indicators to protect human health. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)."
Computer-aided development of ductile ferritic steels with high strengths for ultra-supercritical steam-turbine applications,DE-FG02-09ER85590,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,99865.00,"Multi-phase Services, Inc.",2111 RiverSound Dr.,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,Yes,No,Robert Tien,Dr.,8659666878,robert_t_77014@yahoo.com,Ye Chou,Dr.,8659666878,ytchou@uci.edu,"The efficiency of the conventional fossil-power plant can be improved by increasing the steam temperature and pressure. The DOE is targeting an increase of the steam temperature from 593°C to 677°C by the year 2010 and to 760°C by 2020. Currently, ferritic steels are used at temperatures below 620°C for fossil-energy conversion systems, but these materials exhibit limited creep resistance at higher temperatures. Although Fe-Al-Ni-Cr-based alloys can provide the required creep resistance, these materials are limited by poor ductility and cleavage fracture at ambient temperature. This project will develop a new type of ductile ferritic steels with a tensile ductility of 10% ~ 15% at ambient temperature, without sacrificing the creep resistance. In Phase I, the ductility of the quaternary Fe-Al-Ni-Cr system will be determined as a function of the alloy composition, the amount of the B2 phase, and the elemental partitioning in the B2 and body centered cubic matrix phases. The study will employ (1) thermodynamic calculations to identify potential alloy compositions that have good ductility; (2) microstructural characterizations using transmission-electron microscopy, analytical-electron microscopy, and scanning-electron microscopy to verify the thermodynamic calculations; and (3) mechanical-property experiments to optimize the alloy composition. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new type of aluminide-strengthened ferritic steels should find use in steam-turbine components operating at temperatures higher than 700°C, leading to a significant capital cost reduction and increased thermal efficiency for steam turbines."
Automated Removal of Brominated Flame Retardant Material From a Mixed E-Waste Plastics Recycling Stream,EP-D-09-045,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2009,2,345000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide. Improper handling of e-waste results in vast amounts of toxic waste being sent to landfill and leaching into the water supply. Due to there concerns e-waste recycling is a rapidly growing industry. Unfortunately, most current e-waste recycling processes rely on either manual hand sorting or differential density sorting methods. Manual hand sorting is expensive in the U.S. and has been associated with major environmental damage overseas. Differential density sorting is expensive and is not very effective for sorting e-waste plastics. When properly sorted there are a significant amount of valuable recyclable materials in e-waste. Recycling rates for e-waste are currently low in part because e-waste recyclers charge a fee for recycling in order to make a profit. Legislative action in many states may increase this rate, but the long term viability of e-waste recycling depends upon economical approaches to recovering theses valuable materials. E-waste plastics often are difficult to re-use in part because of the inability to separate those materials which contain brominated flame retardant. The objective of the proposed Phase II research is to complete development of the technology successfully tested in the Phase I research. In order to assist in funding the deployment, testing, and further development of the prototype systems the proposing firm has obtained a commitment form an e-waste processor which has agreed to cooperated with NRT in the development and testing of the technology with Phase III funding. A significant increase in the anticipated amount of e-waste has been observed over the last few years and is expected to continue as the time between introduction and obsolescence becomes continually smaller. Because most electronic devices contain a significant number of plastic parts with and without flame retardants separation and recovery of these materials is crucial for long-term viability of environmentally friendly recycling of e-wastes. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of this Phase II research that the application of the technology will improve the costs of recycling e-wastes, improving the rate at which e-wastes are recycled. The proposing firm is a major manufacturer of recycling equipment of the post-consumer plastics recycling industry and has received considerable interest in the development of a sorting system for sorting brominated plastics in e-waste plastics. Due to this interest the proposed technology is expected to have a strong market in the e-waste recycling industry."
SBIR Phase I: Corneal Tissue Scaffold Using Synthetic Nonwoven Matrices,0839501,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2009,1,99999.00,"Notus Laboratories, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,37416-1627,No,No,No,L. Raymond DeBarge,MD,4238024387,rdebarge@mindspring.com,L. Raymond DeBarge,MD,4238024387,rdebarge@mindspring.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I submission proposes to design and produce nanofiber-based corneal tissue scaffolds to treat corneal diseases, the second most common cause of blindness worldwide, affecting 10-15 million people. This innovative approach uses electrospun mats from biocompatible polymers, which will be characterized for mechanical and optical properties. Candidate mats will be functionalized using a unique poly(acrylic) acid chemistry, conjugating extracellular matrix proteins laminin and fibronectin to the highly porous, high surface area nanofiber mats. Mats will then be sterilized, seeded with cultured human limbal stem cells, and attached to the scaffolds via laminin and fibronectin protein ligands. Cell viability and adhesion will be studied to determine the optimal transparent, biocompatible, pathogen-free, corneal scaffold for implantation in the eye. The broader impacts of this research include other ocular transplantation needs, such as corneal endothelial cell and retinal pigment epithelial cell transplantation (for macular degeneration), as well as tissue engineering for virtually all body tissues, from cardiac
valve leaflets to tendon repair. Newer partial keratoplasty procedures, such as the rapidly evolving Descemet?s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), would similarly benefit from a transparent tissue scaffold seeded with human endothelial cells. Worldwide, the need for healthy donor tissues far exceeds the available supply. This corneal transplant market is in excess of $22 billion annually worldwide. Experience gained from ocular bioengineering will translate into customization of other stem cells on nanofiber scaffolds for applications in diverse areas of the human body, broadening the impact of this technology for an aging population."
Segmented Rectifying and Blocking Contacts on Germanium Planar Detectors,DE-FG02-09ER85310,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,1,100000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The semiconductor electrodes on segmented germanium planar detectors used in nuclear physics research require improvement, so that significantly more of the available high-purity germanium can be utilized for the detection function. This project will develop new semiconductor electrode technology for use in the fabrication of germanium detectors. Phase I will involve the fabrication and testing of candidate systems. In Phase II, the most promising of these electrode contacts will be used to make much larger detectors for nuclear physics. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee These systems should have immediate applications at DOE user facilities, including research in nuclear physics, astrophysics, and rare-particle detection. Moreover, the technology should extend the use of germanium detectors to other fields, such as nuclear medicine."
High-Purity Germanium Crystals for Low Background Counting Arrays,DE-FG02-08ER84987,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,2,750000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Mr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Mr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The next generation of DOE low-background user facilities will require suitable germanium crystal production capabilities. These crystal-growth techniques must accommodate the handling of highly enriched germanium in a manner consistent with low background counting. In this project, germanium crystal growth techniques will be experimentally developed specifically for the growth of crystals for low-background counting arrays. The approach will include the development of (1) inexpensive and modular crystal pullers that are suitable for installation in low-background facilities, and (2) crystal-growth techniques that minimize the contamination of highly enriched germanium. In Phase I, an inexpensive and modular prototype germanium crystal puller was developed. Using this puller, germanium crystals were successfully grown and demonstrated to have properties well suited to the fabrication of low-background germanium detectors. During the Phase II, the crystal growth techniques will be refined to grow large high-purity germanium crystals suitable for the fabrication of large low-background germanium detectors. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The germanium crystal growth technique should greatly decrease the cost of large arrays of low background germanium detectors. These detector arrays are at the forefront of physics in the search for rare processes such as neutrinoless double-beta decay. Such detector arrays also could be used for low-level counting facilities to characterize radioactive materials."
Next Generation Root-Pest Resistance Research and Screening Tool,,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2009,1,80000.00,PHENOTYPE SCREENING CORP.,10233 CHAPMAN HWY,,Seymour,TN,37865-3045,No,No,No,Daniel W. McDonald,President,8653858641,mcdonalddw@phenotypescreening.com,Robert J. Kodrzycki,Chief Scientist,8653852031,bobk@phenotypescreening.com,"This project involves development of a non-destructive, non-invasive technique for visualization and characterization of root damage by devastating root pests using digital x-ray imaging. To allow use of x-rays, plants are grown in a low density artificial rooting medium that supports healthy plant growth and allows infection by root pests. This project will show the proof of concept that (1) the entire cycle of root pest infection can be carried out in the artificial medium and (2) root damage assessments can be carried out using image analysis tools. In this project two model systems will be used: root knot nematodes on peppers and; western corn rootworm on corn. A root analysis system based on non-invasive imaging will greatly increase the scope of possible experiments on plant root pests and help speed the techniques used for damage assessment."
Power System Protection from EMP Attack Using Carbon Nanotubes,HQ0147-09-C-7148,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2009,1,99955.00,PLASMA SCIENCES CORP.,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-7421,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Benjamin Simmons,Principal Investigator,4238944646,bsimmons@accurate-automation.com,"Protection of the power and system interconnects supporting the BMDS radar systems can be a vulnerability of the radar system and of the supporting C2 infrastructure. Existing technology is capable of meeting "
Algal Biodiesel via Innovative Harvesting and Aquaculture Systems,DE-FG02-08ER85224,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2009,2,750000.00,"Renewable Algal Energy, Llc",225 Rosehaven Court,,Kingsport,TN,37663,No,No,No,Jeffrey Kanel,Dr.,4232395905,jskanel1@charter.net,Robert Clayton,Mr.,5204712890,76135.3645@compuserve.com,"The United States needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil by developing a renewable source of biodiesel fuel that is competitive with petroleum diesel but does not compete for scarce resources such as fresh water, arable land, and existing food crops. Algae are uniquely qualified for this challenge because of their high productivity of oil and biomass. Furthermore, algal biodiesel can be produced from aquaculture systems which absorb carbon dioxide from the air or from industrial flue gases, resulting in a net zero carbon cycle. This project will demonstrate the scale-up of improved, low-cost methods for growing and harvesting algae for biofuel production. In Phase I, a modestly-sized algal aquaculture was used to demonstrate that the harvesting methods were both economical and scaleable. Phase II will demonstrate continuous, year-round, operation of an open pond algal aquaculture system, integrated with semi-continuous harvesting, for the production of an algal concentrate suitable for lipid extraction and biodiesel production. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: A competitive, large scale process for algae biodiesel fuel could replace that portion of the nationÂ¿s fuel supply which comes from foreign oil sources. The proprietary processes and designs resulting from this project could be licensed to a number of companies that would use it for the worldÂ­wide production of biodiesel fuel. The technology also could be used for the capture of carbon dioxide"
NOVEL ASSAY PLATFORM FOR ASESSING PROTEIN KINASE INHIBITORS,1R43CA141858-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2009,1,100261.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Val Golovlev,,,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Val V. Golovlev,,8656712166,GOLOVLEV@TDS.NET,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this SBIR project is to develop a new drug discovery platform for screening tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The main innovation of the proposed platform is the use of a multi-enzyme assay, which is able to measu
re efficiency and identify inhibition mechanism in a single experiment in real-time using a small-volume sample. The proposed platform addresses the drawbacks of the existing methods by reducing the cost of reagents by ten times or more; by substantially r
educing the assay time and significantly increasing the information yield of the drug screening process. The technology is adaptable to high through put format and has unique capabilities for identification and study allosteric kinase inhibitors, which pla
y a central role in the development of new pharmaceuticals for treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases, neural disorders, and metabolism problems. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Protein kinases represent one of the most promising groups of drug targets due to
the vital role played by kinases in such pathological conditions as cancer, inflammatory diseases, neural disorders, and metabolism problems. Currently about 25% of all research spending on drug discovery and development is directed to new kinase inhibito
rs with a special focus on the discovery of allosteric inhibitors, which have a higher inhibition efficiency, lower toxicity and longer duration of action. Yet, identification of new allosteric inhibitors is challenging and requires tedious kinetic and X-r
ay diffraction studies, which are costly, labor intensive and too often are not carried out at the full extend. The technology under development in this SBIR project has a unique capability for identification and study allosteric kinase inhibitors and is a
ble to provide more information quickly and at a lower cost."
"Development of Multidisciplinary, Multi-Fidelity Analysis and Integration of Aerospace Vehicles",FA9550-09-C-0136,DOD,USAF,STTR,2009,1,99974.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,President,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,Chief Prod. Dev. Officer,6153720299,adey@vextec.com,"Current aircraft design approaches incorporate the use of many high fidelity models for point solutions of individual disciplines. Sophisticated model integration techniques are not yet readily available and a significant amount of individual discipline stovepiping exists. Individual handoffs of point solutions between disciplines often results in repeated individual data interpretations. These interpretations often lead to erroneous decisions and/or add-in design conservatism. The technical goals of the Phase I will be to develop and demonstrate a methodology to combine multidisciplinary models and then propagate model, measurement and statistical uncertainty to quantify total synthesis error. A demonstration will be conducted on an aircraft design model combining multiple levels of aerodynamic loading, stress analysis and structural reliability. The Phase I framework will be shown to decompose the design analysis into the multiple scales, allowing the complexity of the design of a structural component to be properly assessed. The fully-probabilistic models assess the uncertainty in design characteristics to determine the statistical distribution of the response throughout the system. BENEFIT: The demonstration from Phase I will be a gateway into expanding the framework for the Phase II program. The focus will be expanded from depot level inspection intervals to a full suite of interdisciplinary design tools. The structure of this framework will support the system engineering processes typically used by military and commercial aircraft OEMs. In these processes, high level requirements for performance and affordability are decomposed into high level and detail level requirements. Developing visual relationships between generalized key parameters will allow the framework to be applied to development programs for any airframe. It is anticipated that the capabilities developed from this proposal can be integrated as enhancement to the existing airframe design systems and software.)"
Corrosion Resistant Naval Alloys: Innovative Multi-Scale Computational Modeling and Simulation Tools,N00014-09-M-0411,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2009,1,99621.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Lorenz Nasser,"President, CEO",6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"The overall objective of the proposed effort is to build a methodology and the associated multi-scale computational tools that enable the development of corrosion resistant alloys for use in Naval aircraft. This will be achieved by adding corrosion damage prediction capabilities to VEXTEC's existing damage models which simulate material fatigue and predict failure. The goal is a framework that accounts for both corrosion damage and fatigue damage and produces a comprehensive assessment of alloy performance in an operational environment. This will be accomplished through the use of finite element analysis combined with probabilistic microstructure-based fatigue modeling. The tool will be developed in Phase I for aluminum alloy 7075-T651, a common material used in aircraft structures. The tool will be used to predict the mechanical and corrosion properties of the alloy based on material properties, microstructure, and processing history. These predictions will be compared with experimental data acquired from open literature regarding the testing of this alloy. The successful comparison of predictions with experimental data will be used to demonstrate conceptual design feasibility of the corrosion fatigue prediction tool."
Novel Analytical Methods for Sandwich Core Termination Features,N68335-09-C-0224,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2009,1,79918.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,"President, CEO",6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Chief Technology Officer,6153720299,adey@vextec.com,"The proposed project will develop a structural analysis framework incorporating high performance composite design methodologies to predict the reliability of sandwich termination features. The sandwich core termination region offers many challenges to properly design and verify its structural integrity. Complexities such as numerous interacting failure modes and sensitivity to manufacturing variations make designing and analyzing the core termination region costly and time consuming. The work proposed by VEXTEC under this SBIR project will produce a composite damage propagation prediction tool. It will explicitly link state-of-the-art laminate design techniques with the mechanistic failure models. Phase I will focus on delamination as the most significant damage mode and the mechanism will be modeled using a virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). During the Phase I Option, the global local analysis will be combined with probabilistic methods to allow for consideration of manufacturing variability throughout the structure. Phase I will show proof that structural analysis and design methodologies for bond integrity between the face sheet and the core of composite sandwich structures is readily achievable."
Crack Nucleation Prediction through Surface Roughness Measurement,W31P4Q-09-C-0217,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2009,2,749416.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,President/CEO,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Reusable life models rely on a large empirical database and require a lengthy development process. The models must be reconstructed for each new geometric and loading application. Rather than using empirical fatigue data to fit the model, the VEXTEC approach uses the intrinsic microstructure properties of the material and needs very little calibration testing. In Phase I, VEXTEC used the model to predict RUL for a flat plate specimen in a four point bending stress state to within 95% confidence of the test results. The simulated data were generated in less than 2 weeks. These RUL results show that the VEXTEC model can be universally and efficiently applied to new airframe components of the same material with high accuracy. The model was shown to use the particle density material property along with other properties measured from the material to predict the number of microcracks propagating through the microstructure of the material. The Phase II will create a comprehensive RUL prediction system by expanding the capability. Further refinement and added fidelity within the VEXTEC models will produce higher confidence RUL prediction results while maintaining the cost and speed advantages over current modeling systems."
Physics-Based Probabilistic Life-Prediction Model for Advanced Hot-Section Turbine Disk Materials With Gradient Microstructures,FA8650-09-M-5217,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2009,1,99838.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,President,6153720299,jjacob@srl.com,Richard Holmes,Principal Research Scient,6153720299,aflusberg@srl.com,"The proposed approach will build on existing probabilistic micromechanics model for failure analysis to include gradient microstructures. This effort will develop physics based damage models for the gradient microstructures focusing on complete damage evolution of the transition zone between the bore (fine grain) and the rim (coarse grain). The mechanisms considered will include 1) fatigue, 2) crack growth 3) tensile elongation and 4) creep. These four failure modes represent the primary damage mechanisms active in high temperature turbine rotors. The operating environment of todays jet engine requires high reliability with respect to these damage modes. Improved fatigue and crack growth at the bore and creep in the rim are the primary reasons behind the development of dual microstructure alloys. Particular focus under the proposed effort is to develop microstructural damage models for the transition zone where the stress gradient, temperature gradient along with the microstructure gradient will strongly influence the damage initiation and growth in a multiaxial stress field. The Phase I goal is prove concept feasibility for extending and applying probabilistic microstructure based modeling approaches to life turbine engine components with gradient microstructure. The models will be inherently mechanistic, suitable for application to a broad range of materials. BENEFIT: The New Generation Bomber or Long-Range Strike (LRS) program will revitalize the AF bomber to adapt to the changing operating environment, which includes tougher air defenses, longer flight distances, and time-critical missions. To meet these stringent new requirements of future war fighting scenarios, weapon system must be extremely fuel efficient. To attain high fuel efficiency the engine thrust-to-weight must be maximized and unnecessary weight must be eliminated while maintaining engine reliability and durability. The technology to be developed from this SBIR will allow for rotor design optimization to reduce unnecessary weight. The turbine rotors will be designed to operate at extreme temperatures to maximize performance and mission flexibility, obtain the lightest weight possible to maximize thrust- to-weight, and do so with enhanced turbine durability. This proposal effort will evaluate the durability of a design configuration which could produce a cost savings from up to 1% increase in fuel efficiency or $500M for a fleet of 1000 engines over 15 years of service."
Gearbox Load and Life Simulation Software,N68335-09-C-0203,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2009,1,79815.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Lorenz Nasser,Technical Director of M&S,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Technical Director of M&S,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"The overall objective of the proposed effort is to build a methodology and the associated computational tools that predict component life for rotor wing drive systems. This will be achieved by adding mission load variability to VEXTEC's existing gear component life prediction tool. The goal is a framework that accounts for mission variability and gear fatigue damage and produces a comprehensive assessment of drive system performance in an operational environment. This framework will incorporate the use of both high and low fidelity models to predict component performance, and will be based on existing VEXTEC durability prediction software used for Army land vehicles. This software accounts for each component in a complex system to produce an overall drive system life prediction. The tool will be developed in Phase I for a simplified H60 helicopter gearbox system. The tool will be used to predict the system's performance based on component material and loading, system design, and mission load variability. The successful prediction of system performance will be used to demonstrate conceptual feasibility of implementing the component life prediction tool."
Military Gas Turbine Engine High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF) Mitigation,N68335-09-C-0399,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2009,2,466158.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Lorenz Nasser,President & CEO,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Director of Modeling & Si,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"The JSF Program requires a probabilistic approach to high cycle fatigue (HCF) foreign object damage (FOD) limit determination. The current Goodman diagram based methods have a capability gap addressing the JSF probabilisitic requirements and are costly and time consuming due to the extensive bench fatigue testing required. Through Phase I and II SBIR contracts VEXTEC demonstrated the ability to use probabilistic microstructural modeling methods requiring significantly less test data and yielding more accurate results on ""industry"" titanium blades. The analytical tool VEXTEC created needs to be evaluation using existing JSF data, designs,and materials before it can be included in engine OEM designs. The goal of the proposed expansion effort is to demonstrate the application of VEXTEC's technology on a JSF first stage fan blade to predict fatigue durability under various surface treatment, foreign object damage and repair conditions. The by product of this effort will be the development of a simulation tool that P&W can use to provide a level of tractability to VEXTEC simulation results."
Security for Unmanned and Autonomous Vehicles,N65538-08-M-0048,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2008,1,69983.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba L. Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,4238944646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will develop an Unmanned Vehicle (UV) security system. This generic system will be applied to a user Unmanned (Sea) Surface Vessel (USV) as well as UVs operating from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) or for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). The system has potential applications on Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehciles (UAVs). During Phase I, a prototype will be demonstrated on a real USV."
Reduced Height Waveguide Limiter Using Nanotube Technology,HQ0006-08-C-7802,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2008,1,99997.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba L. Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Benjamin Simmons,Principal Investigator,4238944646,bsimmons@accurate-automation.com,"The solid state semiconductor technology in radar systems supporting the U. S. Army's ballistic missile defense program increases its vulnerability to the effects of high power, fast rise-time EMP, HPM, and UWB pulses. Recent research has shown that using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can greatly improve the performance of a limiter. Improvements upon a previous X-band waveguide plasma limiter can be made by utilizing arrays of CNTs in a reduced height waveguide. This configuration offers several advantages over the current device. First, the CNTs offer greater field enhancement and survivability compared to metallic point electrodes, resulting in a faster reaction time, lower spike leakage, and greater reliability. Second, the reduced height waveguide will increase the electric field across the spark gap, which will also decrease the reaction time and reduce the spike leakage. Third, the use of CNT arrays allows the field enhancing electrodes to be present over the entire width of the waveguide on both of the H-plane surfaces without introducing significant insertion loss, leading to a reduction in flat leakage. Using a CNT array as a field enhancing electrode in a plasma limiter promises to offer faster reaction time, higher power handling capability, and greater reliability than existing systems."
Application of Wireless Sensors for Predictive Maintenance of Rotating Equipment in DOE's Research Reactors,DE-FG02-08ER85004,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,99978.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem M. Hashemian,Mr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"Research reactors such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have a long history of service to the nation and are expected to continue to operate successfully for many more years. However, these reactors are old and have not benefited much from recent advances in maintenance and diagnostics technologies that could be used to manage aging and ensure continued safety and reliability. For example, advanced technologies have been developed for predictive maintenance of motors, compressors, fans, and turbines, and for on-line condition monitoring of plant instrumentation. These methods have been used successfully for health and condition monitoring of industrial processes. Although some research reactors have adapted some of these developments, there has been little progress toward a systematic implementation of these technologies. Part of the problem is that wiring existing research reactors with test sensors for predictive maintenance would be problematic, expensive, and time consuming. This project will establish the feasibility of adapting wireless sensors for predictive maintenance of critical equipment in research reactors. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The wireless sensor technology should find use not only in research reactors and nuclear power plants but also in the chemical industry, manufacturing plants, and the military. For nuclear research reactors and nuclear power plants, the U.S. market alone has been estimated to be about $75 million dollars."
Wireless Sensors for Equipment Health and Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-07ER84684,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,2,749899.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem M. Hashemian,Mr,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"Power generation utilities are striving to use wireless technologies in nuclear power plants, but a number of important challenges must be overcome. These challenges include infrastructure issues, security risks, reliability questions, and interference problems. This project will develop a prototype system to acquire data from wireless sensors for equipment and process diagnostics in nuclear power plants. In Phase I, the feasibility of using wireless sensors for equipment condition monitoring in nuclear power plants was demonstrated. Phase II will (1) design and develop a prototype system for acquisition, qualification, storage, and display of data from wireless sensors; (2) test the system using data from wireless sensors installed in a laboratory test loop; (3) assess technology security risks and develop recommendations and procedures for risk reduction; (4) investigate electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, including the effects of wireless transmissions on existing plant equipment; and (5) implement the prototype system for selected applications in a host utility plant. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the application for nuclear power plants, the technology should benefit almost any other industrial process for plant health assessment, residual life estimation, plant aging and obsolescence management, manpower savings, reduction of radiation dose to maintenance personnel, and asset management."
Gene Expression and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disease,2R42AI053984-04A2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2008,2,2651463.00,"ARTHROCHIP, LLC","ARTHROCHIP, LLC",117 BROMLEY PARK LN,FRANKLIN,TN,37069,No,No,No,,,6153434208,thomas.aune@vanderbilt.edu,Thomas M. Aune,,6153437353,THOMAS.AUNE@VANDERBILT.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Autoimmune diseases are thought to arise from abnormalities in innate or adaptive immune responses and most likely have both genetic and environmental components. Diagnosis of autoimmune disease is often difficult, as t
he symptoms can be relatively nonspecific. Furthermore, no available blood test can accurately exclude the possibility of an autoimmune disease in a subject with such symptoms. At best, a battery of tests and evaluation by a specialist physician over a per
iod of time are required to establish that a patient does in fact have an autoimmune disorder. Initial studies have demonstrated that measurement of gene expression in peripheral blood samples separates subjects with autoimmune disorders from healthy contr
ols with a high degree of accuracy. In the first part of the Phase II period, these observations were extended to demonstrate that expression levels of a less than six genes measured by quantitative real-time PCR can produce similar results. The results sh
ow that separation of MS patients from normal controls can be achieved with a high degree of accuracy. Other findings indicate utility of this approach in the diagnosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is now propo
sed to extend and expand these results to include larger and more diverse patient groups and to evaluate longitudinal changes. Three specific aims are proposed: Specific Aim I. To better define optimum diagnostic tests for MS, RA, and SLE, we will deter
mine test performance in subjects with other neurologic, other rheumatologic conditions or other chronic diseases. Specific Aim II. We will evaluate test performance in cohorts of individuals from different geographic regions, in individuals with early
or incomplete disease, in first-degree unaffected relatives of individuals with MS, RA, or SLE, and in subjects prior to and after initiation of standard therapies for each disease. Specific Aim III. We will design test standards and perform validation
studies for our tests as required for FDA approval. We anticipate that the result of these studies will be marketed tests for autoimmune diagnosis that will have a significant impact on patient care. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Autoimmune diseases aff
ect 5% of the population. Unlike many other chronic diseases, these maladies can afflict children and young adults, with long-term health consequences. Diagnosis in early disease stages would be facilitated by the availability of more accurate blood tests,
and this is key to timely institution of definitive therapies for prevention of irreversible organ damage."
Ultra-Sensitive Molecular Diagnostic for Borrelia Species,1R43AI074103-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,1,73327.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,,,,copeland@atom-sci.com,Richard A. Hurt,,8654831113,HURT@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of the proposed research is to develop an enabling technology that will allow development of a molecular diagnostic for identification and discrimination among closely related bacterial species that cause signif
icant disease at low microorganism numbers. The technology will be advanced through the development of a diagnostic system for detection of species of Borrelia with special emphasis on the species Borrelia lonestari, a bacterium which has been found in abo
ut 1.2% of the Lone Star ticks removed from humans in nine southeastern US states. Lone Star ticks are associated with a condition called southern tick associated rash illness (STARI), which is similar to Lyme disease. However, B. lonestari has not been
found in many patients suffering from STARI, perhaps because of the lack of diagnostic tests. In the proposed diagnostic, DNA from a patient's blood (or other specimen) is digested using a restriction enzyme to generate small DNA fragments carrying one or
more species specific signature sequences. Heat is then used to separate the two strands of DNA. This is followed by a reaction that uses an enzyme to specifically join the ends of single stranded DNA fragments that have a specific sequence at each end to
form a single stranded DNA circle containing the pathogen specific sequence. A reaction called rolling circle amplification is then performed to make a long DNA strand that is a tandem repeat of the circular DNA's complement. A second section of DNA is u
sed to initiate a hyper branched strand displacement amplification reaction, yielding a 109 fold increase in the specific nucleic acid fragment in less than 90 minutes. In Phase II, we will extend this diagnostic to additional Borrelia species and have a c
ertified laboratory perform the test procedure that was developed in Phase I on samples from human patients to determine the source of STARI. A fringe benefit of this work will be a sensitive diagnostic for Lyme disease. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The propos
ed work would develop an enabling molecular technology for diagnosis of extremely low copy-number DNA from microorganisms that cause disease in humans. Some bacteria such as species of the genus Borrelia are able to cause significant disease at low copy n
umber. The proposed research will produce a diagnostic system that can simultaneously test for Lyme disease and all other Borrelia species suspected of causing disease in humans. The proposed research also seeks to discover the cause of southern tick asso
ciated rash illness (STARI). Lyme borreliosis is the most common vector borne disease in North America with more than 200,000 cases reported since 1982. In 2002, the incidence rate was 8.2 cases per 100,000 with approximately 95% of the cases occurring in
the northeast, north central and mid Atlantic states. In the southern United States an additional species, Borrelia lonestari, has been shown to cause Lyme disease like symptoms (STARI). The incidence rate of STARI is currently unknown, because there is n
o molecular or serological diagnostic test to identify infection with B. lonestari and related Borrelia species. If Borrelia species other that the causative agent of Lyme disease are the cause of STARI, patients in the southeastern US that have a persiste
nt infection currently remain undiagnosed, and untreated."
Real Time Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) Training,FA8650-08-C-6848,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2008,2,747662.00,"CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL, INC.",9198 Crestwyn Hills Dr,,Memphis,TN,38125,No,No,No,"Maurice E. Smith, Jr",Executive Vice President,9017548839,esmith@cti-crm.com,Dave Kaiser,Program Manager,9017548839,dkaiser@cti-crm.com,"Phase II will evaluate the four most promising training interventions determined from Phase I and their impact on the HF skill deficiencies of Channelized Attention, Task Misprioritization, Selected the Wrong Course of Action, and Crew Coordination. The training interventions that will be evaluated are (1) enhanced focus academic training, (2) interactive case history, (3) CBT gaming, and (4) computer based team trainer. Phase I revealed that the UAV community had the best ability, both operationally and logistically, to support the evaluation of the training interventions. The 11th RS Commander has readily agreed to assist in Phase II evaluation by allowing student availability for four additional hours of CRM intervention evaluations. To minimize the impact of the training intervention evaluations on the 11th RS our Phase II training intervention methodology will use a four-tier spiral approach. The spiral approach is a method in which we introduce each intervention cumulatively one at a time as they are developed. A baseline will be established and then the spirals will be introduced. Spiral one would consist of intervention 1. Spiral 2 will consist of interventions 1+2. Spiral 3 will consist of interventions 1+2+3. Finally spiral four will consist of interventions 1+2+3+4."
Development and Neutronic Validation of Pelletized Cold and Very Cold Moderators for Pulsed Neutron Sources,DE-FG02-08ER86344,DOE,DOE,STTR,2008,1,99875.00,"Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.",450 Bacon Springs Lane,,Clinton,TN,37716,No,No,No,Christopher Foster,Dr,8654355433,foster_c_a@bellsouth.net,Christopher Foster,Dr,8654355433,foster_c_a@bellsouth.net,"Existing and planned neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, generate bursts of cold neutrons for materials research. The efficiency of the beam line components, which convert the fast neutrons to a cold neutron beam, determines the usefulness of the facility. Existing solid methane moderators have a high efficiency, but cannot be scaled to work on high power facilities. A cold moderator using solid methane pellets would be capable of operating on a high power pulsed neutron source. In previous work, the technology for producing and transporting methane pellets has been demonstrated. This project will validate the neutron performance of such a moderator. In Phase I, neutron scattering and transmission on mock moderators, consisting of various random packings of polyethylene pellets, will be performed to obtain preliminary data on the effects of packing densities and non-uniformities on the neutron beam. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: A methane pellet moderator would double the output of cold neutrons compared to a conventional hydrogen moderator. The improved performance would further the materials research capability of neutron facilities"
Timely Decision-Making for Logistics Support,FA8750-08-C-0118,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2008,2,840194.00,"DPRA, INC.","10215 Technology Drive, Suite 201",,Knoxville,TN,37932 4304,No,No,No,Robert C. Parrott,Business Mananger,8657773772,crit.parrott@dpra.com,Ralph Alexander,Vice President,8657773772,ralph.alexander@dpra.com,"This Phase II proposal applies the optimization strategy researched and developed from Phase I. The research conducted in Phase I defined optimization strategies for use within logistical planning models that focused on resource usage against resource availability within a dynamic environment where the commander's priorities are ever changing. The GCALS tool allows sustainment to be re-prioritized and re-sequenced for movement depending on its criticality as determined by the dynamics of the operational environment. This will result in a more optimized transportation flow and save significant costs to the using customer. Since the optimization strategy developed within Phase I applies to all global planning projects, the resulting scheduled channels will be directly related to the situational awareness of blue forces and which ports of support will be used for logistical support. As input is received from a Distributed Simulation Network, the logistical planning models are updated with transportation network capacities based on multiple simulation runs for multiple nodes. The GCALS tool is then used to re-prioritize and re-sequence sustainment flow. The logistical models are then run to create an updated version of schedules that DPRA refers to as a ""rolling forecast"" of the delivery profile."
Precision Motorized Cryo/Vacuum Stage,FA9101-08-M-0003,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2008,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,Vice President Operations,6155956665,salesinfo@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Space Mechanism testing often requires precision motion control in a cryogenic and high vacuum environment. Precision position devices that can provide motion over large distances and with relatively high forces are required. DSM proposes a revolutionary piezoelectric motorized stage that is cryogenic and vacuum compatible to provide positioning and motion control for Air Force requirements in space mechanism testing. The motorized stage design represents an innovative mechanism topology that is universal in configuration such that it can be incorporated into a variety of precision instrumentation and metrology environments. Representing a novel step and repeat or walking beam motor, DSM's design provides a number of key benefits over traditional electromagnetic driven stages. The piezoelectric motorized stage operates in cryo without any lubrication or rolling components. The technology uses very simple solid state flexure mechanisms to provide high force (600 lbf) in a relatively small cryo compatible package. With an inherently precise fit and geometry, the stage will achieve nanometer level resolution and stability. This proposal addresses DSM's perceived approach to the development of space qualified demonstration components."
Cryogenic Rotary Piezoelectric Motor,NNX08CC05P,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2008,1,99997.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,Business Official,6155956665,mjohns@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Principal Investigator,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Piezoelectric motors operate on the principal of high frequency oscillation of high force precision ceramic elements. The high power oscillations are converted to rotary motion through a novel conversion mechanism to produce high torque precision motion when compared with traditional electromagnetic motors. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes to focus the Phase I innovation on the development and design of a precision rotary conversion mechanism that will take the piezoelectric oscillatory power and produce rotary motion for operation at cryogenic and extreme environments. DSM has already demonstrated operation of its high force linear motor actuators for environments as low as 77 K. The proposed rotary motor should operate from approximately 25K to 400 K and should provide very low or no outgassing as well as operational capabilities in hard vacuum. The technology is proposed for applications in the area of rover control, driving operational equipment, instruments, and other such facilities. This proposal addresses DSM's perceived approach to the development of flight-scalable demonstration components for the novel rotary motor technology."
Vertical Accelerator for Visual-Vestibular Acuity Testing and Training,N00014-08-C-0031,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2008,2,749998.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,V.P. Operations,6155956665,mjohns@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Military personnel are often subjected to significant vertical acceleration while carrying out their duties. Such acceleration can interfere with the individual's ability to view platform-fixed displays by inducing spatial disorientation and/or motion sickness. The resulting decrease in personnel performance arises from head movements and posture-maintaining muscle coordination that are the body's response to vestibular-ocular reflexes. Suppression of these reflexes can lead to improved functional performance; repeated exposure to vertical linear motions can desensitize a person from these natural reflexes. The development of a vertical linear accelerator (VLA) system will enable researchers to accurately test for, evaluate, and even provide rehabilitation for the effects of vertical acceleration on the vestibular-ocular reflexes. In the Phase I effort, Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) produced a 1/3rd scale VLA prototype using linear motors and air bearing technologies that tracked commanded position within +/-100 microns at speeds up to 7 ft/s. Operational frequencies of up to 4 Hz were demonstrated. Velocity tracking was within 0.9% of the commanded velocity. Sound measurements were within ambient noise levels. DSM proposes this Phase II effort to develop and install a full-scale VLA that will provide an important training and testing tool for both screening and desensitization applications."
Novel TVC Mini DAC System,W9113M-08-C-0184,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2008,2,999994.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,Vice President Operations,6155956665,mjohns@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM) proposes the development of a compact, proportional piezoelectric motor actuation technology with miniature electronics, optimized actuator hardware and integrated position feedback capability. The new actuation system will be optimized and characterized in an integration test bed representative of system loads (physical, thermal, vibration) relevant to an articulated axial Thrust Vector Control (TVC) technology under development at Aerojet General Corporation's Redmond, WA facility (Aerojet). The Phase II effort will culminate in a hot fire demonstration of the optimized prototype actuation system. The achievement of smaller, faster, and more efficient actuation technology for precise proportional and on-off control of thruster applications (Axial TVC, Divert and ACS) is the ultimate benefit that the proposed actuation technology provides to MDA. DSM believes that mini-interceptor platforms such as the Agile Kill Vehicle (AKV) and MKV will benefit from the piezomotor actuator technology as compared with system solutions incorporating traditional electromagnetic actuators. The resulting actuation technology will be scaleable to a wide range of BMDS and commercial applications."
Miniature Piezo Semi-Active Seat Damper,M67854-08-C-0014,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2008,2,600000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,Vice President,6155956665,info@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Military personnel on the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) may be subjected to significant levels of shock and vibration loading in the course of a military maneuver. The shock and vibration loading can interfere with crew duties and cause fatigue and distraction. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) completed a Phase I development of a piezoelectric-driven dry friction miniature shock and vibration damper that is a direct replacement for the passive damper under the driver's and team captain's seat. Using a dynamic model and a simulated semi-active control law, the well-controller damper reduces the shock and vibration load transmitted to the seat occupant. The novel damper is very compact and represents a very simple configuration. In the Phase I effort, a simple damper prototype demonstrated a well-controlled damping force up to 250 lbf and a modulation time of less than 2 ms. This proposal describes a Phase II effort to bring the technology to a TRL 7 level for eventual insertion in the EFV."
SBIR Phase I: Surface Modification of Nonwovens Via Plasma Processing,0740693,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2008,1,99999.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Jayesh Doshi,PhD,4232676266,jdoshi@espintechnologies.com,Jayesh Doshi,PhD,4232676266,jdoshi@espintechnologies.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a low cost plasma treatment methodology capable of increasing adhesive strength between electrospun nanofibers and substrates, as well as change the functionality of nanofibers to develop functional textile material for various applications. The surface modification of substrates will be carried out using atmospheric pressure plasma based on inert, oxygen, and nitrogen containing gas mixtures. The choice of processing parameters and gas mixtures will be made according to the desired functional groups on treated polymer surfaces. The different processing parameters radio frequency (RF), RF power, gas flow rate, gas composition, separation of the electrodes, etc.) will be altered to correlate with the final material properties (wettability, wickability, printability, work of adhesion, surface area, etc.). The developed material can be used for a number of applications depending on the surface functionalities, including medical cloths functionalized for antimicrobial activity; apparel clothing altered for hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity; medical implants and patches capable functionalized for cell attachment; and similar niche applications. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology could lead to textile materials which can be treated such that it shows different functionalities on opposite sides (e.g., a hydrophilic fabric coated with hydrophobic nanofibers, or vice versa.) The success of the technology will lead to further advancement in application of nanofiber and plasma technology to a wide variety of applications without
needing investment to change supporting equipments (e.g., using nanofiber based filters in current filtration equipments). The successful use of plasma technology can further remove our dependence on alternate technologies (like wet chemistry) which has damaging environmental consequences. The success of this project will improve textile material quality, advance nanofiber processing technology, allow spinning polymeric nanofiber webs on incompatible substrates, and spur growth of new markets."
Advanced Multi-Source Digital Signal Processing And Analysis For Characterization Of Vibrations In Turbo-Machinery Blades,N68335-08-C-0104,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2008,2,726595.00,EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN & ANALYSIS SOLUTIONS,278 Franklin Road,Suite 260,Brentwood,TN,37027,No,No,No,Kurt Nichol,CEO,6153700081,kurt.nichol@edasinc.com,Steve Arnold,Senior Engineer,6153700081,steve.arnold@edasinc.com,"Characterizing turbine engine rotor vibratory characteristics is becoming increasingly complex with the introduction of advance technologies, such as integrally bladed rotors (IBR), low aspect ratio airfoils, 3-D aerodynamic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) design blades, and advance materials. The analysis and measurement techniques used to evaluate the vibratory characteristics has also advanced, but often times resulting in increased information from dissimilar sources. The objective of this research is to develop improved rotor vibratory characterization through integration of all the available data sources, including Finite Element Models, non-contact stress measurement systems (NSMS) and strain gages. In Phase I, feasibility of the integration was demonstrated in different planning, testing, and analysis phases of the vibratory characterization test process on a laboratory rotating rig. Phase II will extend the concepts demonstrated in Phase I to application on highly instrumented, advanced technology turbine engines."
Non-Contact Cure State Measurement,N68335-09-C-0040,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2008,1,79886.00,"GALT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC",2009 Still Water Lane,,Knoxville,TN,37922 7922,No,No,No,Walt Fisher,President,8656613416,wfisher@chartertn.net,Walt Fisher,Project Manager,8656613416,wfisher@chartertn.net,"Manufacturing processes are typically delayed from several minutes to several hours while coatings, sealants, and adhesives sufficiently cure to allow subsequent operations. Local environmental conditions can accelerate or decelerate cure depending on the chemistry of the materials, which makes degree of cure a variable over time and ultimately results in built-in down-time to assure sufficient cure is achieved. A technology for determining the relative state of cure for a variety of known coatings, sealants, and adhesives, without compromising the integrity of the applied material, would be a manufacturing enhancement and production time reduction factor. The technology must ultimately be able to accommodate slight variations of chemistry within the chemical classes such as exist among different vendors or due to effects of various fillers and must be measured on substrates consistent with aircraft manufacture. In this SBIR we will develop a design concept for a non-contact cure state measurement instrument that is based on Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Spectroscopy. Develop a protocol for defining the state of cure for each application category (coating, sealant, adhesive). Demonstrate the proposed approach on the coating (epoxy or urethane), sealant (polythioether or polysulfide), or adhesive (epoxy, acrylic, urethane)."
Method for Analyzing Non-poly(A) RNA Transcripts,1R43GM083526-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,1,149800.00,GENHUNTER CORPORATION,"624 GRASSMERE PARK DR, STE 17",,NASHVILLE,TN,37211-3671,No,No,No,,,,jwalden@genhunter.com,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Much efforts in gene expression analysis in the past have been focused mainly on the messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thanks to the availability of Differential Display (DD), SAGE and DNA microarray technologies, which all targ
et the poly(A) tails present in most eukaryotic mRNAs. The recent discovery of a large microRNA population begged the question of whether there exists additional yet to be discovered RNAs species in a eukaryotic cell besides mRNA, rRNA and tRNA. However, i
n contrast to the analysis of mRNA expression, analogous methods for an accurate, comprehensive detection and analysis of any nonpolyadenylated RNA have been lacking. Here we describe a systematic approach for the detection and identification of any non-po
lyadenylated RNAs in a eukaryotic cell. The method involves first in vitro enzymatic addition of a poly(A) tail to all non-poly(A) RNAs in a cell followed by fluorescent Differential Display (FDD) comparison of cDNA patterns before and after poly(A) additi
on. With the proof of principle established for the method, two well defined specific aims are formulated in this Phase I STTR application to further optimize and streamline the method for a more accurate and comprehensive screen for nonpolyadenylated RNA
species expression in any eukaryotic cell. Specific Aim 1: Systematic Analysis of Non-poly(A) RNA Expression in Eukaryotic Cells by Differential Display a: Optimization of poly(A) tailing reaction of NPA-DD b: Poly(A) tailing of total RNA following the dep
letion of poly(A) RNA and comparison of NPA-DD with tiling arrays, c: NPA-DD bypassing ribosomal RNA detection. Specific Aim 2: Comprehensive Test Screens for Non-poly(A) RNA Expression in Mammalian Cells."
AVATAR Multi-Role Morphing Missile,FA9300-08-M-3103,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2008,1,99913.00,Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC,2212 Harton Blvd,,Tullahoma,TN,-,No,No,No,Paul Gloyer,President,9313935108,paul.gloyer@gloyer-taylor.com,Tim Lewis,Vice-President,8584496457,tim.lewis@gloyer-taylor.com,"Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories has identified a suite of technologies that can provide a tactical missile with a high degree of energy management capability and proposes to demonstrate these technologies by developing the AVATAR (Adaptive VAriable Trajectory Attack and Reconnaissance) Multi-role Morphing Missile. The 9-inch diameter by 13-foot long AVATAR missile is sized to be air launched from nearly any combat aircraft, including F/A-22, F-35, F-15, F-16, UCAS and bomber, using the BRU-61/A pneumatic carriage, or ground launched from the MLRS using the standard M26/M31 tubes. AVATAR provides long range precision strike capability, thereby extending the reach of existing combat systems. AVATAR technologies include the safe, non-toxi, long-term storable, high-performance GTV monopropellant, the efficient Highly Integrated Modular Structure (HIMS), and a revolutionary morphing structure. To manage the combustion stability risk, the breakthrough Universal Combustion Device Stability (UCDS) process will be used. UCDS accurately predicts the stability characteristics of the engine at any throttle setting and provides the physical insight needed to mitigate potential instability issues. The AVATAR technologies provide enhanced energy management capabilities, while addressing key historical impediments."
Impact Dispersal System for Crashworthy Stowable Troop Seating for Helicopters,FA8650-08-M-6877,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2008,1,99350.00,"IMPACT DISPERSAL SYSTEMS, LLC",P.O. Box 493,,Smithville,TN,37166 7166,No,No,No,Phillip Love,Chief Executive Officer,6154645676,idsystems@dtccom.net,Phillip Love,Chief Executive Officer,6154645676,idsystems@dtccom.net,"The seats used to carry troops in large Special Operation or Search & Rescue helicopters only provide limited protection in the event of a crash. These troop seats do not adequately attenuate the energy during a crash pulse or restrain the crewmember during impact and roll-over events. The crashworthy features of helicopter seats today incorporate some type of a mechanical device in order to absorb the energy from an impact. These energy absorbers use a pre-defined load-displacement profile in their design, which can be overly sensitive and not compatible with the wide range of troop and equipment weights. The Impact Dispersal System is a new invention that takes a different approach to reducing impact force by dispersing the force away from the point of impact. The system explodes the dispersion at the point of impact and then systematically shuts down according to the amount of force produced by the impact. Our goal is to incorporate this system into an existing helicopter troop seat in order to enhance crash protection. The lightweight and rapidly stowable/removable features of the existing troop seat will be kept with the incorporation of the Impact Dispersal System."
Interactive Peer-to-Peer Scientific Communication in the Digital Library Environment,DE-FG02-08ER85096,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,99896.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel B. Azpurua-Linares,Ms.,8652981226,Franciel@iiaweb.com,Edrick G. Coppock,Mr.,8652981241,edrick@iiaweb.com,"Government digital libraries have a unique opportunity to facilitate communication between scientific communities of common interest. These libraries can add functionality to their electronic dissemination products, providing a catalyst for communication and collaboration among users. However, to date, agencies within the governmental digital library environment have not deployed this type of collaboration technology. This project will develop a prototype tool that will enable interactive peer-to-peer scientific communication in the digital library setting. Phase I will include a comprehensive survey of commercial technologies and technologies under development at universities, within DOE, and within other government agencies. Then, a plan for configuring, developing, integrating, and testing a peer-to-peer system will be developed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Any research institution or information provider that makes a body of scientific information available should benefit from this project. The communication mechanism would enable members of scientific communities to discover others with common interests, facilitate a broader perspective on specific topics, and increase and enhance the amount and quality of information available for a specific community of interest."
"Real Time, Full-Text Source Provisioning in the Digital Library",DE-FG02-08ER85230,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,100000.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel B. Azpurua-Linares,Ms.,8652981226,Franciel@iiaweb.com,Mark A. Martin,Mr.,8655762097,markmartin@iiaweb.com,"Users of federated search systems need to have direct access to the publisher's copy of the electronic full text or, at a minimum, a direct link to the publisher's website. In many cases, there exists a disparity between the data collections of the underlying databases, or collection nodes, which drive federated search sites. For instance, many of these collections include metadata associated with scientific journal articles, where neither the associated full text nor a link to publisher information is present. However, due to budget constraints or to not knowing the operational details of the data sources, many sites have not cultivated their collections to house these resources. This project will develop a real-time, full-text, source-provisioning web service that will allow the DOE¿s Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) and other digital library-based organizations to provide more electronic full-text resources to their users."
Requirements-Based Cost Models,FA8650-08-C-5703,DOD,DOD,SBIR,2008,2,709935.00,INRAD,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Vicky Dyer,Administrative Assistant,(865) 927-4134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,Mary A. Merrell,Program Manager,(865) 927-4134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,"This SBIR Phase II, Requirements-Based Cost Models, will develop software to enable cost managers to extrapolate costs of complex systems with higher fidelity than current approaches. Identifying the true costs of transitioning technologies from concept to production is complicated by many factors, from the lack of a known cost basis from which to estimate new requirements to difficulties in identifying information that can support improved cost extrapolations. Based on an ontology-driven approach, the Requirements-Based Cost Modeling System (RBCMS) will be a web-accessible toolset that enables users to evaluate and document cost estimates, particularly in pre-proposal and proposal project stages. InRAD""s software will merge cost data with technical information to provide a foundation for determining costs for elements in order to (1) provide a basis for the derivation of cost drivers and their impact to total product cost and product requirements and (2) provide a systematic approach for cost managers to access highly targeted data to substantiate costs for which no historical or documented costs are known. The RBCMS will manage cost sessions to provide continual histories of changes and traceability to factors that impacted projections. As middleware, this system will supplement, not replace, current parametric and other cost modeling tools."
Wound Healing Properties of a Non-Irritating Novel 9-cis Retinoid Acid Derivative,2R44GM077724-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,2,1196749.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,,,,purcell@moleculardesign.com,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): MDI 301 is a synthetic retinoid that is similar to all-trans retinoic acid (RA) in its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and inhibit the major collagen-degrading enzymes in skin. A feature that distinguishes MDI
301 from RA is its lack of irritation when applied topically to skin. Past studies from our laboratory have shown that topical pretreatment of diabetic rats with RA improves the healing of subsequently-induced abrasion wounds. The recently completed Phase
I studies of this SBIR grant demonstrated that MDI 301 also improves healing of abrasion wounds in diabetic rats. The Phase II studies build on this. The workplan for the Phase II studies contains three specific aims: First, using the same model of strepto
zotocin-induced diabetes in rats as used in the initial studies, we will determine the extent to which MDI 301 improves wound-healing in the skin. Second, using organ cultures of human skin obtained from diabetic subjects (skin from both at-risk and non-at
-risk sites) we will determine the extent to which MDI 301 affects changes in physiology of human diabetic skin that contribute to successful wound healing. Finally, in aim three, we will continue the safety profiling of MDI 301 necessary for FDA approval.
The overall goal of the proposed studies is to determine if topical pretreatment of skin with MDI 301 will, like RA itself, improve healing of subsequently-induced wounds but do so without provoking irritation. If it can be shown that MDI 301 is a
s effective as RA but without the negative consequence seen with RA, it will provide a better agent for development as a chronic wound preventative."
Topical Skin Treatment to Facilitate Wound Healing in the Aged Population,1R43GM080779-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,1,100001.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,,,,purcell@moleculardesign.com,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): MDI-301 is a synthetic retinoid. MDI-301, like RA, induces collagen synthesis and reduces expression of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases in the skin. This agent also induces epidermal thickening. However, un
like RA, MDI-301 is non-irritating when applied topically. In a recent study we showed that MDI-301 was effective in promoting the healing of superficial abrasion wounds in hairless rats with skin made atrophic by corticosteroid treatment. Given these find
ings, we propose in this Phase I SBIR grant application to topically treat aged hairless rats with MDI-301 for a two-week period. Control animals will be treated with vehicle alone or with RA as a positive control. During the treatment period, animals will
be examined for skin irritation. Following treatment, skin will be obtained and analyzed for collagen production and for elaboration of collagen-degrading enzymes. In other animals, superficial abrasion wounds will be induced following treatment. Healing
in control and MDI-301-treated animals will be compared. If we can demonstrate that MDI-301 promotes healing of superficial abrasion wounds in aged skin but does not induce significant irritation, this will provide a strong impetus for development of this
agent as a non-irritating wound preventative . The medical benefit and commercial potential will be significant. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCEThe goal of this work is to develop a non-irritating retinoid for topical use in aged skin. The non-irritating retinoid
will, hopefully, improve the structure and function of aged skin so that it will resist formation on non-healing wounds. It should do so without irritation."
High Power 95 GHz Gyro-Devices with Permanent or Conventional Solenoid Magnets,N00024-08-C-4116,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2008,2,599995.00,MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGY,420 Red Hill Rd.,,Normandy,TN,37360 9715,No,No,No,Larry R. Barnett,owner,9312127349,lbarnett@cafes.net,Larry R. Barnett,owner,9312127349,lbarnett@cafes.net,"A 2nd harmonic compact low voltage gyrotron operating in the TE021 mode at 94 or 95 GHz on the second cyclotron harmonic produced by a compact normal magnet will produce 100kWCW or more at high efficiency (35% or better before collector energy recovery) using a 50 kV magnetron injection gun (MIG) beam. The gyrotron uses the smallest cavity, ~2.2 cm long, in the TE021 mode which will permit operation down to 100 kWCW at high efficiency and allow the smallest magnet. The main magnet that produces the 18 kG cavity field is only 15 cm OD by 7 cm long with a 12 mm ID clear bore. This very compact small bore design, to minimize the coil power of the electromagnet, has ample space for coolants. The power required for the main 18 kG magnet is only about 4.6 kW, not including the coil power for the 0.8 kG MIG field or a collector. This compares to about 7 kWCW of rf Ohmic loss in the cavity at 100 kWCW output. The coils are copper foil wound and edge cooled by attached water-cooled copper plates. The 50 kV MIG produces ~10% axial velocity spread at an alpha of 2.0."
Automated Removal of Brominated Flame Retardant Material From a Mixed E-waste Plastics Recycling Stream,EP-D-08-0039,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2008,1,70000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide. Improper handling of e-waste results in vast amounts of toxic waste being sent to landfills and leaching into the water supply. Because of these concerns, e-waste recycling is a rapidly growing industry. Unfortunately, most current e-waste recycling processes rely on either manual hand sorting or differential density sorting methods. Manual hand sorting is expensive in the United States and has been associated with major environmental damage overseas. Differential density sorting is expensive and is not very effective for sorting e-waste plastics.
When properly sorted, there is a significant amount of valuable recyclable materials in e-waste. Recycling rates for e-waste currently are low in part because e-waste recyclers charge a fee for recycling in order to make a profit. Legislative action in many states may increase this rate, but the long-term viability of e-waste recycling depends upon economical approaches to recovering these valuable materials. E-waste plastics often are difficult to reuse in part because of the inability to separate those materials that contain brominated flame retardant.
The objective of the proposed Phase I research is to determine the feasibility for developing a high-speed automated sorting system for sorting plastics containing brominated flame retardant in an e-waste plastics stream. This automated sorting system would allow recyclers of e-wastes to more efficiently process e-waste plastics and sell the polymer to plastics manufacturers for a premium, thereby making recycling more cost effective.
A significant increase in the anticipated amount of e-waste has been observed over the last few years and is expected to continue as the time between introduction and obsolescence becomes continually smaller. Because most electronic devices contain a significant number of plastic parts with and without flame retardants, separation and recovery of these materials is crucial for the long-term viability of environmentally friendly recycling of e-wastes. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of Phase I and Phase II research that the application of the technology will improve the costs of recycling e-wastes, improving the rate at which e-wastes are recycled.
National Recovery Technologies is a major manufacturer of recycling equipment for the post-consumer plastics recycling industry and has received considerable interest in the development of a sorting system for sorting brominated plastics in e-waste plastics. Because of this interest, the proposed technology is expected to have a strong market in the e-waste recycling industry."
A biodegradable ophthalmic drug delivery device,1R43EY018525-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,1,100000.00,"Notus Laboratories, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,37416-1627,No,No,No,,,,ndoshi@espintechnologies.com,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Our long-term research goal is to develop an ophthalmic, nanofiber-based, biodegradable device that will provide extended release of therapeutic agents to the posterior segment of the eye via transscleral and intravitr
eal approaches. This platform device will address the major technical problem in the treatment of posterior eye diseases (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and posterior uveitis), which is the need for repeated injections or long-term implantatio
n of therapeutic agents with significant side effects. The specific aims of this Phase I project are to determine 1) which combinations and concentrations of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) with triamcinolone acetonide and budesonide produce a structural
ly stable nanofiber composite material under dry and wet conditions; 2) the in vitro rate of drug elution from samples; 3) the effect of ethylene oxide sterilization on the drug-nanofiber mat samples; and 4) the in vitro biocompatibility of samples with hu
man ocular epidermal keratinocytes and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The results of Phase I will be used to carry promising nanofiber PLGA-ophthalmic drug combinations forward to Phase II laboratory in vivo studies with the ultimate goal of an efficaci
ous, safe, and commercially successful treatment option for the aging population with posterior eye diseases. There is tremendous market potential for a nanofiber-based, biodegradable sustained release corticosteroid delivery platform. Diabetic macular ed
ema (DME) is a primary cause of decreased vision in diabetic retinopathy, which is the number one cause of vision loss in the working age population in the U.S. and the western world. The estimated market potential for DME is estimated to be 1 Billion in
the U.S. by 2013. Uveitis is a low frequency, high severity ocular disease which causes about 10% of blindness in the U.S. Posterior uveitis and macular edema are commonly treated with periocular and intravitreal injections. An intermediate-term (semi-annu
al), biodegradable corticosteroid implant with high potency and lower side effect profile is a very attractive alternative to repeated injections and available non-absorbed implanted devices. Corticosteroids are also being evaluated for treatment of wet ma
cular degeneration (AMD) and vascular occlusive diseases. A prospective, multi-center National Eye Institute (NEI) trial is underway evaluating triple therapy using intravitreal triamcinolone and bevacizumab with photodynamic therapy for wet macular degene
ration (VERTACL). PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The exudative macular edema common to DME, uveitis, and AMD is a leading cause of blindness in the western world. The aim of this project is to develop a novel electrospun corticosteroid-laden, nanofiber-based dr
ug delivery device. The successful completion of this project will reduce the morbidity and costs associated with ocular drug delivery, as well as improve vision loss in these common posterior segment diseases."
Application of Pixel-Cell Detector Technology for Advanced Neutron Beam Monitors,DE-FG02-07ER84844,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,2,750000.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,Mr,8654838675,dkopp@ordela.com,Manfred K. Kopp,Mr,8654838675,mkopp@ordela.com,"Currently available neutron detectors are limited in their ability to be used with the intense neutron beams used for the advanced study of materials at large-scale national facilities. A large number of neutron-scattering experiments require beam monitors to operate in an intense neutron beam flux of more than107 neutrons per second per square centimeter. For instance, a 4 cm x 4 cm intense beam flux of 6.25x107 n/s/cm2 at the Spallation Neutron Source will put a flux of 1.00x109 n/s at the beam monitor. Currently available beam monitors will need to be replaced in less than two years of operation due to wire and gas degradation issues. There is also a need for beam position information that is beyond the capabilities of currently available 3He and BF3 neutron beam monitors. This project will investigate the use of pixel-cell technology for developing a new generation of stable, high-count-rate neutron beam monitors and position-sensitive detectors. In Phase I, a prototypical 2 x 4 Pixel-Cell Neutron Beam monitor was conceptualized, designed, and constructed. The prototype unit was successfully tested and evaluated in a neutron beam at the High Flux Isotope Reactor in Oak Ridge. In Phase II, the pixel cell technology will be tested further with the prototype beam monitor, leading to refinement and optimization of the technology. Using these refinements, a two-dimensional pixel-cell area detector will be designed and built for testing at a neutron beam source. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should lead to the development and commercialization of advanced neutron beam detectors that would directly benefit the Spallation Neutron Source and other intense neutron sources such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor. Advancing the detector capabilities is equivalent to increasing operational efficiency and reducing the experiment beam time at these facilities, which, in turn, results in important savings in operation cost and increased experimental output."
Development of a Compact Multi-Analyzer System for Triple Axis Spectoscopy,DE-FG02-08ER84996,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,100000.00,Pecos Inc. Precision Engineering Contracting Servi,"1020 Commerce Park, Suite K",,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,Yes,Yes,No,David B. Prieto,Dr.,8657738154,info@pecosinc.com,David B. Prieto,Dr.,8657738154,info@pecosinc.com,"Thermal neutron scattering is an extremely powerful technique for investigating the structure and properties of materials at the atomic level. By using inelastic neutron scattering, the fundamental excitation spectra within the material can be measured. However the cross sections for inelastic neutron scattering are extremely small, and, consequently, intense neutron sources are required for such measurements. This project will develop a Compact Multi-Analyzer System (CMAS) that has the potential to increase the effective count rate in such inelastic measurements by a factor of up to 16 times. The CMAS can be retro-fitted to existing Triple Axis Spectrometers, used at reactor neutron sources to carry out these measurements, to provide a highly cost-effective way of increasing the count rate. The compact nature of the CMAS is afforded by the innovative use of recently developed Â¿solid state collimators,Â¿ which are based on the use of high transmission single crystal silicon wafers coated with layers of gadolinium (highly neutron absorbing) and Ni/Ti supermirror (highly neutron reflecting). Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Phase I will demonstrate that the analyzer crystals in the compact multi-analyzer design can be accurately and reproducibly positioned and that it is feasible to construct a fanned array of solid state collimators."
Growth of Large Diameter High-Purity Germanium Crystals for Nuclear Physics Research,DE-FG02-08ER84986,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,99972.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Mr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Richard Pehl,Dr.,8654145434,dickpehl@phdsco.com,"Large diameter germanium crystals are needed to provide larger, more sensitive, gamma-ray detectors for nuclear physics measurements at DOE user facilities. In this project, germanium crystal growth techniques will be experimentally developed for the growth of large diameter crystals. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of a new growth technique. In Phase II, the technique will be completed to enable a new breed of commercially-available, very-large-diameter germanium gamma-ray planar detectors. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should have immediate applications in research taking place at DOE user facilities involving nuclear physics, astrophysics, and rare-particle detection. Moreover, these detector systems should enable germanium detectors to enter commercially active fields, the most important of which is nuclear medicine."
High-Purity Germanium Crystals for Low Background Counting Arrays,DE-FG02-08ER84987,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,99967.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Mr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Mr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"Efficiently grown germanium crystals and detectors are needed for DOEÂ¿s low-background user facilities. These detectors are at the forefront of physics in the search for rare processes, such as neutrinoless double-beta decay, and also are used for low level counting facilities to characterize radioactive materials. In this project, germanium crystal growth techniques will be experimentally developed to achieve crystals having a very consistent circular outer diameter. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of a new crystal growth technique. In Phase II, the technique will be completed, enabling a new breed of commercially-available germanium gamma-ray detectors. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new germanium crystal growth technique should greatly decrease the cost of large arrays of low background germanium detectors. Detectors made from these crystals will have immediate commercial application in research taking place in the DOE scientific community."
Improved Plasma Limiter for Electromagnetic Attack Rejection in BMDS Radars,HQ0006-08-C-7856,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2008,1,99985.00,PLASMA SCIENCES CORP.,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-7421,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,CFO,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@netzero.net,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,4238944646,plasmascience@hotmail.com,"Plasma Sciences Corporation (PSC) will build upon previous and ongoing research in transient voltage phenomena to develop a microwave front end limiter that can withstand high power RF interference with minimal impact on normal operations. Participating in the effort is Professor Popovic of Old Dominion University (ODU), a subject matter expert, who will support plasma computer modeling, simulation and analysis. Phase I efforts will demonstrate through modeling, simulation, and brassboard limiter tests, the feasibility of using plasma electromagnetic absorption and scattering properties to enhance performance of ongoing plasma limiter developments using reflective properties of an ionized gas to protect against high power transients. A Phase II effort will build prototype hardware for testing in a representative environment. In Phase III, PSC will work with radar prime contractors to integrate a prototype into an operational system and initiate limiter production."
Algal Biodiesel via Innovative Harvesting and Aquaculture Systems,DE-FG02-08ER85224,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,1,100000.00,"Renewable Algal Energy, Llc",225 Rosehaven Court,,Kingsport,TN,37663,No,No,No,Jeffrey Kanel,Dr.,4232395905,jskanel1@charter.net,Robert Clayton,Mr.,5204712890,76135.3645@compuserve.com,"Microalgae hold great promise as a high-yield, non-food crop source of lipids for the production of biodiesel. However, a number of challenges need to be met. Two of the major challenges are the high costs of algae cultivation and harvesting (i.e., de-watering). Microalgae hold great promise as a high-yield, non-food crop source of lipids for the production of biodiesel but a number of challenges need to be met. Two of the major challenges are the high costs of algae cultivation and harvesting (i.e., de-watering). Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Efficient isolation of algae is often cited as a major obstacle to cost-effective production of algal biodiesel. If successful, this project could facilitate wide-scale use of this alternative energy feedstock as well as a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions."
Development of an LPA receptor modulator Rx100 as a radioprotectant,1R43CA130424-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,1,99977.00,"RXBIO, INC.",1325 SUNSET DR,,JOHNSON CITY,TN,37604-3619,No,No,No,,,,smccool@rxbio.com,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Bone marrow and gastrointestinal mucosa are highly sensitive to radiation exposure. Radiation-induced damage to bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract could be lethal in events such as nuclear accidents or radiation
terrorism, depending on radiation doses, exposure rate and quality. No truly satisfactory radioprotective drugs are yet available. The phospholipids growth factor lsophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a prosurvival factor acting via LPA receptors. We have synthes
ized a LPA receptor modulator Rx100, a partial agonist for LPA1 and LPA3, and a potent agonist for LAP2 receptor. We have proof of principle that Rx100, when applied either orally or subcutaneously, 1 hr before or 3 hrs after radiation exposure effectively
reduced radiation-induced lethality to mice. We propose to fully evaluate Rx100 as a radioprotectant and a radiomitigator. Our ultimate goal is to provide a highly efficient medical countermeasure against radiological and nuclear threats, and a potent rad
ioprotectant for cancer patients. Research design: Evaluate the efficacy of Rx100 in ameliorating radiation-associated hematopoietic syndrome. (1) We will use a mouse model of whole-body radiation; (2) We will optimize dosing schedules by oral and subcutan
eous routes; (3) We will compare all data to decide two final schedules: one for Rx100 administered prior to radiation exposure as a radioprotectant and one as a radiomitigator; (4) We will quantify Rx100-initiated radioprotection by dose-reduction factor
(DRF). Methods: (1) whole-body radiation of mice. Conscious mice are subjected to whole-body irradiation using a Cs-137 source at a rate of 4.6 Gy/min. (2) Hematopoietic assay. The primary endpoint is 30 days overall survival. For determining DRF, mice wil
l be subjected to graded lethal doses of radiation exposure to generate survival curves for control groups and Rx100-treated groups. DRF will be calculated by probit analysis. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Exposure to radiation could result in fatal damage to b
one marrow and the gut. No truly satisfactory radioprotective drugs are available yet. We propose to develop Rx100 into a highly efficient medical countermeasure against radiological and nuclear threats, and a potent radioprotectant for cancer patients."
BIOLUMINESCENT ASSAY FOR GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS,2R44GM080037-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,2,728798.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,golovlev@scien-tec.com,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a new highly sensitive and cost effective RNA Bioluminescent Assay (RT-qBLA) for high-throughput detection and quantification of RNA and DNA in biological samples. The assay imple
ments the same detection concept known from pyrosequencing, yet expanding pyrosequencing methodology for highly sensitive and accurate quantification of RNA and DNA molecules. The proposed assay has unique sensitivity and dynamic range and is able to measu
re kinetics of RNA and DNA replication in the solution in real time without long and expensive sample amplification of the real time PCR. The RT-qBLA requires less expensive reagents and equipment than real time PCR and DNA microarrays and can be used in a
various commercial assays in life sciences research, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis."
True Three Dimensional Display For Medical Telepresence,2R44EB004221-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2008,2,749986.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,,,,thomasce2@att.net,,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this Phase II SBIR project is to develop and build an Engineering Demonstration version of a unique and innovative truly three-dimensional (3D) display for use with 3D Medical data and in Medical Telepresenc
e applications. There are presently many pseudo-3D displays - generally stereoscopic/two-view, or projection of one plane at a time on to a volume display, or requiring glasses/goggles. These displays all suffer from various problems, and are generally not
very satisfactory in use. A truly 3-D display (move your head - see something different) would tremendously improve remote (telepresence) robotic surgery, medical teaching, diagnosis, and sharing of three-dimensional kinds of medical data (CT scans, MRI s
cans, PET scans, acoustic scans, . . .) either at the instrument or between networked sites. The proposed 3D display uses broadband illumination ( white light , not laser) so that there are no questions about eye-safety of the device. The proposed research
has the goal of producing a compact, cost-effective, true 3D display projector. The Phase I SBIR feasibility project has successfully demonstrated two full-color angular-slice channels of such a 3D display. This device will in its many-channel version not
only present a no-goggles high-resolution different view to each eye (stereopsis - one requirement for true 3D), but will also have parallax or look-around - when a viewer moves her head or moves to a different position she will see something different -
just like the real world. The state of the art in electro-optic components, illumination sources, and computational speed has advanced to the point that it is now feasible to create a truly 3D display. A Third Dimension Technologies Phase I project
has shown both theoretically and experimentally that the concepts of holographic stereography (which uses film to simultaneously display many views of an object for static true 3D) can be translated into the electronic age. Digital components and a hologr
aphic optical element combine many Angular Slice channels into a true 3D view. This Phase II SBIR project will build on the theoretical and experimental results from the Phase I project to develop and construct the hardware and software for at least 20 cha
nnels of an Angular Slice True 3D Display."
3-D Density Measurements for the ITER Disruption Mitigation Test Stand and NCSX,DE-FG02-07ER84724,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2008,2,749954.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,C. e. E. Thomas Jr.,Dr,8655790113,thomasce2@att.net,C. E. Thomas,Dr,8655790113,thomasce2@att.net,"Magnetic Fusion Energy holds out the hope of supplying clean energy to the world and eliminating the causes of global warming. While research to date has shown with high probability that an ignited magnetic fusion device can be built (e.g., the ITER Project), present research is focused on making fusion reactors more practical devices. Improving confinement and fueling in magnetic fusion devices can significantly improve the practicality of reactors by making them smaller, and easier to ignite and maintain. A digital holographic imaging device to provide 3D density, particle transport, and fueling data at high speed and high spatial resolution would make it possible to study and understand both transport and fueling with greatly increased resolution over current methods. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility of this diagnostic tool. Additionally, a complete first-order design for the full diagnostic proposed for Phase II (exactly similar to the Phase I design) was completed in Phase I. The Phase II project will develop a full infrared (CO2) laser digital holography system for installation on the LTX compact Tokamak fusion physics research device at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Successful development of this infrared digital holography system for fusion energy plasma diagnostics can lead to improved commercial magnetic fusion energy generation. Additionally, the development could result in the commercialization of unique measurement systems in a number of electronics and manufacturing industries."
Crack Nucleation Prediction through Surface Roughness Measurement,W31P4Q-08-C-0178,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2008,1,98902.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,Rtryon@vextec.com,"Our commercial and military fleets operate safely but at a great cost. Downtime for structural inspections, elaborate sustainment equipment, long maintainer hours, expensive in-depot repair, continuous spectrum monitoring, and extensive component testing have effectively reduced the rates of structure-related accidents, but the costs are overwhelming. DARPA has proposed changing the paradigm of aircraft structural management by creating a new methodology to inspect, diagnose, prognosticate, and manage airframe life. VEXTEC proposes a unique approach to this challenging problem in utilizing pre-existing, non-contact sensor technology for surface roughness measurement coupled with our novel physics-based microstructural crack-modeling simulation tools, materials expertise, and metals-application knowledge base. The means and processes presented here - meant to implement a consolidated prognostics technology that uses structural surface profilometry, materials models, and early crack-progression simulation - will allow for the diagnostics and prognostics of small damage."
Physics Based Gear Health Prognosis via Modeling Coupled with Component Level Tests,N68335-08-C-0379,DOD,NAVY,STTR,2008,2,495300.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Rich Holmes,"Director, Modeling and Simulation",6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"Investment in health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) has proven to yield significant safety and cost benefits to the military. For instance, the Helicopter Integrated Diagnostic System (HIDS) has achieved a documented success rate of up to 70 percent in detecting faults. However, despite all the improvements in failure detection, the remaining 30 percent of faults are not diagnosed. The work proposed under this STTR Phase II seeks to develop VEXTEC's gear prognostics tool for a critical need within the HIDS program in attaining 100 % detection of catastrophic gear faults. This project provides for successful modeling of the effects of tooth bending, contact fatigue and lubrication to advance the understanding of gear failure modes as a critical and new approach to aerospace application prognosis. The technology involves successful modeling of the gear material microstructure and the highly localized multi-axial stresses at tooth contact. VEXTEC will demonstrate its gear prognostics tool through comparison of their modeling results with data from a full-scale gear test."
Optimal Durability and Reliability Testing of Gas Turbine Components,FA8650-08-C-2850,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2008,2,749215.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,"Director, M & S",6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"This proposal outlines the development of innovative technologies applied in a practical and cost effective methodology for determining gas turbine engine reliability. The approach is to produce a set of test procedures enhancing the processes and alternatives in adequately demonstrating the durability and reliability of military gas turbine engines while minimizing cost and test hours. The design hierarchy for a typical turbine engine may be decomposed into layers for each subsystem, assembly, component and structural element. System level reliability can be predicted, based upon known lower level elements of the design. Phase I showed that it is possible to develop a Weibull-based approach to statistically ""roll-up"" the failure probabilities from components/subsystems to predict overall engine system reliability. Reliability assessment early in development effectively determines whether a design meets predicted life cycle goals. The technology proposed will accelerate the introduction of new designs and materials by many years and greatly decrease development and production costs. The enhancement is accomplished through a unique combination of probabilistic simulations, scaled turbine engine testing and statistical evaluation in defining a test methodology that utilizes the probabilistic approach in providing an accurate, low-cost alternative compared to the reliability assurance methods employed today."
Autonomous Operation of UAVs from USVs,N00024-07-C-4124,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2007,2,198245.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba L. Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick J. Cox,Principal Investigator,4238944646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) proposes a unique Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launch and Recovery system for a U.S. Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). AAC proposes an innovative concept for repeatedly stowing, launching, guiding, recovering, and restoring one or more UAVs without sacrificing operational tempo. While UAV's have been used extensively in-theater to support the troops, USVs are just getting a roadmap. The Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) has defined a concept for operating a UAV from a USV in support of their mission. The proposed program can be used to support another program where AAC is delivering a USV and a UAV for use in theater. With the proposed technology, the NECC UAV can be recovered on the NECC USV. Our Automatic Launch and Recovery System (ALaRS) will provide the U.S. Navy with the capability to operate UAVs for extended periods at remote locations without putting people in danger. An ALaRS leverages the advantages of two platforms with diverse capabilities while compensating for the limitations of each. The UAV and the USV bring together significant operational advantages into a single package."
Wireless Sensors for Equipment Health and Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-07ER84684,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,99628.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,Hashem M. Hashemian,Mr,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"Wireless sensors are becoming very popular in industrial processes for process measurement and control, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and management of accidents and mishaps. Over the next few years, these wireless sensors are targeted for full implementation in nuclear power plants, for equipment health and condition monitoring applications. However, to date, little work has been done in screening, qualifying, and analyzing the avalanche of data that will come from wireless sensors. This project will develop techniques for cleaning the data of extraneous effects and other anomalies, qualifying the data for such characteristics as Gaussian (normal) distribution, synchronizing the data, analyzing the data in both time and frequency domains, interpreting results, and reporting to the end user. In addition, guidelines will be developed to determine to the optimum location and installation of the wireless sensors, in order to provide the best data for equipment health and condition monitoring. Phase I will involve an experimental effort to employ wireless sensors in an existing laboratory loop. The loop data will be screened, qualified, and analyzed, in order to evaluate the algorithms and software packages and to establish baseline signatures for determining the condition of equipment in the loop. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to nuclear power plants, the techniques should be useful to a wide array of industrial plants such as chemical refineries, power plants, manufacturing facilities, as well as the aerospace industry, military, government laboratories, and many other installations, especially those with heavy equipment and large machinery. The result will be more efficient process operation and maintenance, and improved safety of workers and the general public."
On-Line Monitoring of Accuracy and Reliability of Instrumentation and Health of Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-06ER84626,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,2,749609.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,H. m. Hashemian,Mr,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"The nuclear power industry continues to depend largely on hands-on antiquated methods for maintenance of its equipment, for plant-aging management, and for health monitoring. As such, advanced maintenance technologies are needed for current and next generation nuclear power plants. This project will develop technology to establish the accuracy and reliability of nuclear power plant instrumentation, and thereby address the condition monitoring and management of the aging of critical equipment and processes in current and next generation reactors. In Phase I, experiments were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of an on-line condition monitoring system for nuclear power plants. In Phase II, an integrated on-line condition monitoring system will be implemented in a nuclear power plant. The Phase II system will provide: (1) a means to verify the accuracy and reliability of process instrumentation; (2) a means to automatically assess the condition of critical plant equipment and processes; (3) a practical tool to optimize plant maintenance activities, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to plant safety; and (4) the foundation for an automated condition monitoring system to be embedded in the design of the next generation of reactors. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The monitoring system should help improve both the safety and economy of nuclear power plants, with potential benefits up to $25,000,000 per year for a 1200 Mwe nuclear power plant. The system also could be of use to other power and process industries. Finally, the system could impact the continuous surveillance and monitoring needs of homeland security, including the protection of government facilities and defense installations."
Decontamination of Flower Bulbs using Atmospheric Plasma,2007-33610-18032,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2007,1,79999.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Robert Briggs,Project Manager,8657773776,rbriggs@atmosphericglow.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,,8657773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"""The United States floriculture industry reached a total of $5.6 billion in domestic consumption in
2002 with an additional $111 million in exports. As the industry continues to move towards
mechanized harvesting in order to increase production, the potential for bulb injury and resulting
fungal infection has increased, as well. Current chemical methods to reduce fungal infection are
often costly, impractical, and not completely effective. Atmospheric Glow Technologies (AGT)
proposes to develop a post-harvest anti-fungal treatment for bulbs using the patented One
Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP®). Our intent is to build upon success
in the military decontamination arena to provide an economically feasible option for low
temperature gaseous decontamination of bulbs for commercial growers. Preliminary
experiments using atmospheric plasma to decontaminate fungal inoculated bulbs were successful
in reducing the population of viable fungal spores on the bulbs by over 3.5 logs. The success of
this effort will be measured not only in terms of the efficiency of fungal neutralization (in terms
of log reduction with respect to time and the volume of bulbs treated), but will also be based on a
preliminary assessment of the feasibility of implementing an atmospheric plasma system in a
bulb harvesting operation."""
Analysis of Environmental Mycobacterium Ulcerans,1R43AI072841-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,1,98841.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,,,,copeland@atom-sci.com,Richard A. Hurt,,8654831113,HURT@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of this research is to develop a locus-specific DNA amplification process suitable for highly multiplexed detection of pathogenic mycobacteria in environmental samples. Specifically, this project aims to develo
p an assay to identify the presence of Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) in environmental samples to determine the transmission pathway from the environmental to humans. MU is the causative agent responsible for Buruli ulcer, a devastating skin disease present i
n several countries. The proposed approach is to create a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) template that contains PCR primer sites that are not present in the target genome but contains a specific sequence in the target genome. This is done by creating two
site-specific probes, each one containing one of the PCR primer sites or a complement thereof. These probes anneal to the target DNA at each end of a sequence in the genome that contains only three of the four possible DNA bases. Polymerase is used
to extend one of the probes across this void region so that the complement of the void region is created. Then ligase is used to connect this extension product to the other probe, creating the PCR template. This void-extension-ligation (VEL) reaction can b
e repeated many times making several copies of the template. PCR is then performed, amplifying the targeted region of the DNA. Because the PCR primers are introduced in the probes, a single set of PCR primers can be used for a large number of targeted sequ
ences. Other researchers have shown that a similar process called MARA, which also can use a single set of PCR primers, can be multiplexed successfully for 750 separate targeted sequences across nine DNA samples. The proposed technique is somewhat simpler
than MARA and should be even more specific. Specificity and multiplex capability are key features in targeting regions that are putatively unique to M. ulcerans but which, in fact, may exist in related mycobacteria in an environmental sample. In Pha
se I, we plan to develop the VEL-PCR method and test it on environmental samples inoculated with M. ulcerans and others inoculated with its closes relative, M. marinum. After sensitivity and specificity have been demonstrated in Phase I, actual samples fro
m highly endemic areas will be analyzed. Further development of VEL-PCR will be performed in Phase II to adapt it to the detection of other important pathogens."
Real Time Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) Training,FA8650-07-M-6791,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2007,1,99998.00,"CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL, INC.",9198 Crestwyn Hills Dr,,Memphis,TN,38125,No,No,No,Maurice E. Smith,Executive Vice President,9017548839,esmith@cti-crm.com,Gregg Montijo,Program Manager,5202400827,gmontijo@cti-crm.com,"Identification of the key human factor skill set involved in Situational Awareness, Task Management and Decision Making for focused alternative training. Alternative training that focuses on the practice and improvement those key human factor skills. CTI has received the commitment of three groups to conduct this investigation. The UAV squadron located at Creech AFB, the A-10 squadron located at Davis-Monthan and the F15C squadron located Kinsley Field."
"High Specific Power, Rapid Start-up 95 GHz Source Technology",FA9451-07-C-0011,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2007,2,747498.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Michael Coffey,President,8654829551,mcoffey@cryomagnetics.com,Adam Berryhill,Senior Engineer,8654829551,aberryhill@cryomagnetics.com,"Military applications of high power millimeter-wave directed energy weapons technologies require high field superconducting magnets that are incorporated in gyrotron devices. The magnets must be cooled to cryogenic temperatures to operate, giving rise to several technical challenges. Gyrotron magnets have traditionally required a relatively long time to cool-down (typically at least 24 hours) and require high input power compressors. The compressors are also bulky, heavy, and motion-sensitive, making them difficult to integrate into mobile platforms. Recent developments in high temperature superconducting magnets have aided, but not eliminated these problems. Present projections for second generation superconducting materials, YBCO, indicate the superconducting magnet will require cooling to approximately 50 Kelvin. This makes the use of several different refrigeration approaches technically feasible. To minimize cool-down time and overall system size and weight, the best refrigeration approach must be determined and refined for the mobile gyrotron application. A key operational parameter in military applications is field readiness, including time to cool the superconducting coils to their operating temperature. To date efforts have focused on standard Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers which are capable of very low temperatures. But G-M cryocoolers are hampered by motion sensitive compressors and high power draw (from low efficiency). Newer, oil-free compressors address the first issue, but refinement is needed to reduce size and weight, and to improve efficiency. A novel technique was identified and investigated in Phase I to address the weaknesses of G-M cryocoolers. Using a modified pulse tube refrigerator technology, it is possible to greatly enhance cryocooler efficiency, especially near room temperature. Variable inertance pulse tube refrigeration technology presents an exceptional opportunity to significantly advance gyrotron magnet technology by reducing power requirements, minimizing system size, and greatly reducing cool-down time."
STTR Phase I: Development of a Remote Climbing Robot for Automating Welding Processes in the Ship Building Industry,0712523,NSF,NSF,STTR,2007,1,149648.00,Robotic Technologies of Tennessee,2560 Nova Circle,,Cookeville,TN,38501-5600,No,No,No,Jamie W. Beard,PhD,6153908723,jamiebeard@charter.net,Jamie W. Beard,Dr,6153908723,jamiebeard@charter.net,"This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will demonstrate a novel, climbing, robotic manufacturing platform to significantly advance automated ship fabrication techniques in the US. The goal of providing automation to the American ship-building industry poses significant challenges for several reasons: the industry presents a highly unstructured environment that could be restrictive to the mobility of autonomous machines; manufacturing requirements in the industry dictate a large degree of flexibility in the operation of fabrication equipment; and the industry requires reliable operation in a physically demanding environment. This proposal offers a solution to these challenges by merging recent climbing robot technology developed for remote inspection tasks in the coal-fired electric power industry with automated (but manually driven or tracked/feature-based) welding equipment and by adding lessons learned in developing intelligent and mechanically robust equipment for harsh environments. n modern sea-going vessels, there is a vast amount of welding and cutting required during the process of creating the bulkhead assemblies. Automating these tasks for this industry provides several significant advantages: process safety improvements for hazardous environments or for space-constrained environments that require disassembly for manual inspection; cost reductions through decreased need for manual, repetitive activities or setup of elaborate equipment; and, quality improvements as processes are automated. In the longer term, these efforts will serve as a base for extending this flexible automation tool to many parts of the ship fabrication, inspection and maintenance process. Finally, the proposed work will advance the state of knowledge in performing robotic tasks remotely in unstructured environments, and will contribute to increased automation in many other fields that present tasks that are hazardous or expensive for humans."
Timely Decision-Making for Logistics Support,FA8750-07-C-0121,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2007,1,99378.00,"DPRA, INC.","10215 Technology Drive, Suite 201",,Knoxville,TN,37932 4304,No,No,No,Robert C. Parrott,Business Mananger,8657773772,crit.parrott@dpra.com,Ralph Alexander,Principle,8657773772,ralph.alexander@dpra.com,"The objective of this proposal is to conduct research to address problems of inadequate logistics support planning during the contingency or crisis action planning process. The current deployment planning process primarily focuses on the flow of forces into theater and sustainment planning is regulated to a secondary effort, or worse, as an afterthought. The Global Channel Analysis for Logistic Support (GCALS) tool will seek to effectively ""optimize"" and synchronize the flow of forces, equipment, and sustainment within the Combatant Commander's (CCDR) Operations Plan (OPLAN). Although logistics planning is considered in the overall planning process, there are some drawbacks to the current approach. The sustainment channel moves only sustainment and the forces channel moves only forces. As a result, each channel may have significant unused capacity, which can be used for a better-optimized deployment plan. By performing a channel analysis of second and third order requirements, GCALS will be able to optimize resource usage of available assets. This will result in a more optimized transportation flow for the OPLAN and save significant costs to the using customer. This proposal will research and define optimization strategies within a dynamic environment that focus on resource usage against resource availability."
Novel TVC Mini DAC System,W9113M-07-C-0029,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,Vice President,6155956665,info@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems offer advantages such as reduced complexity and fewer thrusters relative to many other divert and attitude control (DAC) systems. Proposed is the development of a novel TVC system to provide miniature DAC capabilities for a wide range of mono-prop and bi-prop missile propulsion systems. A primary benefit that the proposed TVC concept offers relative to systems with multiple DAC and attitude control system (ACS) thrusters is that potentially fewer thrusters are required and the overall complexity of the system can be reduced. The proposed research will leverage previous work that has been conducted into TVC systems by incorporating a new piezoelectric motor actuation technology. The proposed system will provide significant improvements in valve proportionality, reduction of system complexity, increased reliability, reduced power consumption, and weight and cost savings relative to systems dependent upon electro-magnetic actuation technologies. The piezoelectric-controlled TVC will also impart a vectoring proportionality that can be valuable to the overall system response. The resulting technology will be scaleable to a wide range of applications."
Mini Safe Fuel Piezo-Actuated DACs,N65538-07-M-0118,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2007,1,70000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,Vice President,6155956665,info@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM) proposes the development of a miniature piezo-actuated divert and attitude control system (DACS) for the Naval Electromagnetic (EM) gun projectile. DSM's development team proposes to produce the requirements for the mini-DAC system, develop a safe-fuel formulation, perform endo- and exo-flight dynamic studies, and develop packaging concepts. DSM will develop a piezoelectric actuation technology that will have superior response and performance characteristics over electromagnetic actuator (EMA) options. The proposed DAC system will have sufficient degrees of freedom (DOF) to support the divert capability to achieve accuracy on the order of 5-m CEP for the projectile. The development process will involve performing flight dynamics studies over the course of the entire projected path to determine the requirements of the DAC system. The proposed system will be able to correct for trajectory errors and maintain stable flight. In addition, DSM's development team anticipates being able to produce a system that will be operational over the entire range of aerodynamic pressures during endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric portions of hypersonic flight."
Miniature Piezo Semi-Active Seat Damper,M67854-07-C-0015,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2007,1,69997.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,VP of Operations,6155956665,info@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Military personnel on the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) may be subjected to significant levels of shock and vibration loading in the course of a military maneuver. The shock and vibration loading can interfere with crew duties and cause fatigue and distraction. There exists a need for a compact device to reduce the vibration and shock loading that is transmitted through the seat suspension system to the driver and/or other crew members. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes the development of a piezoelectric driven miniature shock and vibration damper that can be configured directly in-line with the motion of the crew seat. Through a semi-active control algorithm, the well-controller damper reduces the shock and vibration load transmitted to the seat occupant. Since the novel damper is very compact and represents a very simple configuration, it may be simpler to incorporate it within the EFV structural constraints than other damper technologies."
Distribution System State Estimation,DE-FG02-06ER84647,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,2,524740.00,Enernex Corporation,170C Market Place Boulevard,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Jeffrey D. Lamoree,Mr,8656915540,jeff@enernex.com,Thomas E. McDermott,Dr,8656915540,tom@enernex.com,"Effective management of electricity distribution systems requires analysis tools that can estimate the state of the system (the operating condition). Although state estimation algorithms recently have arisen from research activities, they have yet to be adopted in practice. Utilities need an easier way to implement these new algorithms, along with tools that can pull together all the data needed for the analysis. This project will develop a branch-current state estimation algorithm that is suitable for large-scale applications. The algorithm will be deployed on a large-scale data historian software system, which provides access to a large volume of measurements to support state estimation. In Phase I, the framework for deploying advanced state and load estimation algorithms to utilities was specified. A suitable research-grade state estimator was identified, and its interface to the deployment framework was tested. In Phase II, a configurable mapping to measured data will be developed, and then deployed and tested at an electric utility. Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The algorithm should allow researchers from universities or industry to develop new modules as add-ons to the industry-leading data historian software for electric utilities, enabling better operation of the electric power distribution system. In the future, the same basic framework should support additional data collection from automated meters and power quality monitors, thereby leveraging the use of these measurements."
Advanced Multi-Source Digital Signal Processing And Analysis For Characterization Of Vibrations In Turbo-Machinery Blades,N68335-07-C-0037,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2007,1,149488.00,EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN & ANALYSIS SOLUTIONS,278 Franklin Road,Suite 260,Brentwood,TN,37027,No,No,No,Kurt L. Nichol,President/CEO,6153700081,kurt.nichol@edasinc.com,Kurt L. Nichol,President/CEO,6153700081,kurt.nichol@edasinc.com,"The work proposed here seeks to integrate data from NSMS, strain gage data acquisition systems and analytical models so that the time required to perform product evaluation is reduced and accuracy of the result is improved. Experimental Design & Analysis Solutions, Inc. (EDAS, Inc.) will build upon it significant experience in holistic HCF test and evaluation, data acquisition, and data analysis to develop and market an easy-to-use interface that integrates these three data sources. Basic building blocks to be used as the elements of integration are the EDAS-DS data acquisition product, the EDAS GageMapII finite element and test interface product, and the U.S. Air Force developed Generation IV NSMS technology acquired through a pending cooperative research and development agreement (CRDA) with the Arnold Engineering Development Center. Phase I of our proposal seeks to demonstrate and document the information interfaces between the three data sources and resolve reference frame, coordinate system, and time basis differences. Phase II of the proposal will extend the application to a rig test of a to-be-identified JSF test article and will initiate commercialization of the analysis product to include provisions for interface to any desired manufacturer of NSMS or strain gage data acquisition products."
Mouse Transcriptomic Fingerprints as Biomarkers for Chronic Alcohol Abuse,4R44AA016225-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,2,833915.00,"GENOME EXPLORATION, INC.","GENOME EXPLORATION, INC.",654 JEFFERSON AVE,MEMPHIS,TN,38105 5003,No,Yes,No,,,,rrooney@genome-explorations.com,Divyen H. Patel,,9015785708,DPATEL@GENOME-EXPLORATIONS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Alcohol abuse and its medical consequences have a significant negative impact on society, the economy and our health. Currently, however, no clinically available laboratory test can reliably diagnose excessive alcohol u
se throughout the population or predict the progression of alcohol-induced organ damage. NIAAA has therefore deemed it important to identify more sensitive and informative new biomarkers for chronic alcohol use and alcohol-induced organ damage to facilitat
e earlier diagnosis and detection of pathologies caused by problematic drinking. Genome Explorations Inc. (GenEx) proposes to use a mouse model system to identify gene expression profiles or transcriptomic fingerprints in blood cells that act as sensitiv
e and specific indicators of chronic alcohol use and alcohol-induced liver damage. In Phase I of this SBIR application, GenEx will: 1) Develop and apply an experimental treatment for chronic ethanol abuse and alcoholic liver disease using inbred mouse stra
ins commonly used in alcohol and toxicology research; 2) Generate transcriptome data sets for peripheral blood leukocytes from the treated mice using the Affymetrix platform and GeneChip Mouse 430 2.0 microarrays; and 3) Perform advanced data analysis to d
etermine if gene expression profiles (transcriptomic fingerprints) can be identified as specific biomarkers for chronic ethanol exposure and/or the onset of ethanol-induced liver damage. In Phase II, GenEx will expand this analysis to other common inbred m
ouse strains and across a large genetic reference panel of BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains. Use of these additional strains will provide much greater analytical precision and help to refine potential fingerprints by reducing strain-specific effects. T
he use of BXD strains will also enable validation of the results by genetic correlational analysis using GenExQTL, a powerful new correlational database developed specifically for NIAAA. The development of transcriptomic biomarkers in these genetically def
ined mouse strains would provide a powerful tool for alcohol-related research and facilitate the development of new and more effective clinical biomarkers in people."
Contextual Spelling Suggestions Based on Specialized Vocabulary and Statistical Information of Historical System Usage,DE-FG02-07ER84707,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel Azpurua,Ms,8652981228,Franciel@iiaweb.com,Mark A. Martin,Mr,8655762097,markmartin@iiaweb.com,"Today¿s general purpose search engines have developed contextual based spelling/search suggestion software tools that are derived from the historical usage of the system. In other words, every search the system performs is stored and used as the basis of a statistical algorithm that locates contextual errors in a search. In the past several years, research analysts have identified a new tier of search called ¿specialized search,¿ which includes local, topical, and vertical searches. Vertical search engines, such as the DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information¿s Information Bridge and Energy Citations Database, have not had the same success with the application of spelling/search suggestion due to the lower total population of searches performed against these sources. This project will develop a non-contextua,l pure spelling suggestion tool based on common spelling correction algorithms driven by word lists to be used with vertical search engines. Phase I will create a prototype spelling/search suggestion Web-based XML tool that combines historical usage and specialized vocabulary to contextually correct spelling or other search problems. Phase II will build upon the experimental data acquired from the prototype service, in order to develop a more robust Application Program Interface (API) tool and a more mature algorithm to create suggestions. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: As vertical search engines gain popularity, the new tool should improve specialized search efficiency and effectiveness. Future benefits should include automation of historical data and specialized vocabulary building, thereby optimizing specialized searching for researchers, scientists, professionals, and academics."
Automated Data Cleansing in Data Harvesting and Data Migration,DE-FG02-07ER84709,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel Azpurua,Ms,8652981226,Franciel@iiaweb.com,Edrick G. Coppock,Mr,8652981241,edrick@iiaweb.com,"In the explosion of digitized information that is available through corporate databases, data stores, and online search systems, a persistent problem is the management of the sheer volume of information identified. This information comes in the form of unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data. One of the key issues that exacerbate this information overload is the production of duplicate or near-duplicate information. In addition, the near-duplicate items frequently have different origins, creating a situation in which each item may have unique information of value, but the differences are not significant enough to justify maintaining the items as separate entities. This project will develop a toolset to identify and remove duplicate and near-duplicate items in the context of a system that allows unique information in a set of near-duplicate items to be consolidated into a single comprehensive item. The approach involves coupling the Secure Hashing Algorithm with Latent Semantic Indexing and other technologies applied to a representative set of information factors. The ability to process a representative set of factors will be demonstrated in Phase I. Phase II will focus on enlarging the domain of characteristics that can be incorporated to increase system effectiveness. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The DOE has created electronic versions of all reports, including paper reports created in the early days of research. Over the years, a number of duplicate or near-duplicate entries have been introduced. The new toolset should be able to identify and remove these duplicate and near-duplicate documents. Other government agencies and commercial organizations also should benefit greatly from this technology. Private sector applications include Lexis-Nexis and Dialog, and the toolset could be extended to services such as Factiva and other specialized web databases"
Use of Domain/IP Resolver in Lieu of Traditional Username/Password Authentication,DE-FG02-07ER84708,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel Azpurua,Ms,8652981226,Franciel@iiaweb.com,Edrick G. Coppock,Mr,8652981241,edrick@iiaweb.com,"DOE currently operates an International Databases for sixteen countries. Currently, access is controlled by checking the IP address and/or username/password of registered users. Some countries would like to permit any citizen in their country to access the data, while other countries would like to restrict access to a set of specific registered citizens. This project will develop technology for the secure automation of access to this data. This technology would offer an authentication process that is customizable to an organization¿s needs and provide protection commensurate with the data being protected. Phase I will identify technologies that can provide policy-based access control, as well as sufficient security, to detect, prevent, and respond to IP spoofing, domain spoofing, anonymizers, web robots, and worms. Phase II will focus on generalizing the algorithms selected, so that they will be useful to a broad range of government and commercial customers. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Three market areas with large potential for Domain/IP authentication have been identified: government and on-line databases, commercial enterprises, and IT services and software vendors. All three have information that is somewhat proprietary or sensitive, but needs to be made available to a broad range of customers/business partners."
"Development of an Automated Tool for Locating, Harvesting and Storing Experimental Scientific and Technical Data",DE-FG02-07ER86314,DOE,DOE,STTR,2007,1,100000.00,"Information International Associates, Inc.",1055 Commerce Park Drive,Suite 110,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Franciel Azpurua,Ms,8652981226,Franciel@iiaweb.com,John Rumble,Dr,8654810388,jrumble@iiaweb.com,"Today, scientific and technical data are being generated at ever-increasing rates. At the same time, finding these data is becoming more difficult, as they are now often being deposited directly onto the Web without being linked to a specific publication. Even when a potential data source is located, present day search engines are not able to decode the content of the data source or to determine whether the data therein is useful for a given application. Users are then faced with going through hundreds, thousands, or many more potential data sources to find the few sources with data directly pertinent to their specific application. This project will develop an automated tool that will locate, transform, and place desired and relevant S and T data and metadata into a user-specified or community-of-interest-specified repository for further use. Phase I will develop a generic data model for S and T data using modern ontology methods. Then, the suitability of integrating that data model with harvesting and repository-creation methods ¿ in order to create a stand-alone, Web-based, software tool ¿ will be determined. In Phase II, the research results will be implemented to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed tool. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The DOE, as one of the largest S and T agencies in the federal government, performs research in virtually every area of science and engineering. Unfortunately the cost of locating, gathering, and storing complete sets of multi-disciplinary data often is a significant barrier to performing the research and development. The automated tool should reduce the cost of assembling previously generated data and avoid the need to regenerate it (because its existence was unknown, or it could not be located). In this way, the maximum amount of research and development resources could be focused on developing new knowledge, instead of on gathering what is already known. The tool also would support similar data gathering applications at other government agencies, universities, and businesses."
Alternative Flight Control Methods for Supersonic/Hypersonic Cruise Missiles,N00014-07-M-0322,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2007,1,69849.00,"KBM ENTERPRISES, INC.",P. O. Box 940,,Ardmore,TN,38449 8449,Yes,No,No,Kelly M. Simmons,Contracts Manager,9314689233,kmsimmons@ardmore.net,Raymond A. Deep,Principal Investigator,2568959811,dknight@kbm-inc.com,"The need to bring ordinance on 'targets of opportunity' quickly before the target moves to another location is of paramount importance. A cruise missile that can travel at sustained hypersonic velocities could provide such a capability by reducing the time to target by a factor of 5 or more. Sustained flights at hypersonic velocities provide several technical challenges. Hypersonic control surfaces are typically thick, leading to high drag. High drag requires a high thrust power plant. Technology reducing drag will provide a very favorable trade to the overall missile system. KBM with GTRI propose a concept that utilizes actuators inserting small pins into the missile flow field to provide stability and control for a supersonic tailless missile. Inserting pins at the proper location can achieve high enough pressures on the body of a projectile or missile to produce high speed turns. Preliminary simplified simulation results have demonstrated that pins could be used to make a dynamically unstable tailless missile configuration fly a practically straight path."
ErgoChair Smart Manual Wheelchair,4R44HD054401-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,2,768369.00,MAX MOBILITY,5425 Mount View Parkway,,ANTIOCH,TN,37013-3149,No,No,No,,,,mark@max-mobility.com,W. M. Richter,,6158376947,MARK@MAX-MOBILITY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The PVA clinical practice guidelines for preserving upper limb function following spinal cord injury recommends that wheelchair users minimize the force required to complete upper limb tasks, avoid positioning the hand
above the shoulder and avoid extreme positions of shoulder internal rotation and abduction. There are several aspects of wheelchair use that lead to these conditions. Because wheelchair users are seated, many of the objects they grab or work with are abov
e the level of their shoulder, such as washing dishes or getting items off the grocery store shelf. Some powered wheelchairs have an electric seat elevator that can be used to raise the wheelchair user up. However, there are no manual wheelchairs that offe
r a seat-elevating feature. Transfers to and from the wheelchair commonly lead to an internally- rotated and abducted shoulder that is supporting a large percentage of the user's body weight. Transfer boards can be used to dramatically reduce physical dema
nd during transfers. However, transfer boards are not very portable, so they are not typically carried on the wheelchair. As a result, transfer boards are not always available when the user needs one. The ErgoChair Smart Manual Wheelchair is a solution to
the problem of poor shoulder ergonomics during lifting tasks and transfers. The ErgoChair allows the seat height of a manual wheelchair to be set by the user much like setting the height of an office chair. In addition, there is a lightweight transfer boar
d stowed under the seat. Users can create preset seat heights, allowing them to quickly set the seat to exactly where they want it. This project will involve: 1) developing a proof-of concept prototype and evaluating its effectiveness, 2) refining the desi
gn based on focus group feedback and engineering exploration and 3) quantifying the ergonomic benefits of the ErgoChair through a repeated measures biomechanical study. As a result of this project, wheelchair users will be able to dramatically reduce physi
cal demand on their upper limbs during everyday tasks. ErgoChair Smart Manual Wheelchair Relevance to Public Health Manual wheelchair users are at considerable risk of developing upper limb overuse injuries. One preventative measure is to reduce physical d
emand during wheelchair use. This project will develop innovative technology that will dramatically improve the ergonomics of wheelchair transfers and lifting tasks."
STTR Phase I: Identification of commercially viable insect resistance traits for transgenic crops,0711660,NSF,NSF,STTR,2007,1,150000.00,MGX,2337 Round Tree Rd,6745 HOLLISTER AVENUE,Knoxville,TN,37923 1030,No,No,No,Harry A. Richards,PhD,8655994553,harry@mycogenomix.com,Harry A. Richards,Dr,8655994553,harry@mycogenomix.com,"This Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research project aims to develop novel insect resistance genes that meet the growing market need for the control of agricultural pests with environmentally neutral compounds. Biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural pest management by offering a safer and more effective method of insect control. The current product on the market has greatly reduced the application of harsh chemical pesticides and fostered demand for more such products. For this technology to be sustainable, however, new compounds must be discovered to manage the development of resistant insects and expand its use in agriculture. Our previous research discovered fungal protein extracts that contain orally toxic insecticidal compounds, and our university research partner has a patent pending on the application of these proteins as an insecticide. MycoGenomix has an exclusive license to commercialize this product. The proposed research uses protein fraction tools coupled with insect feeding bioassays to identify candidate toxin proteins. DNA probes will be constructed from partial peptide sequences and used to screen a cDNA-based protein expression library to identify the specific gene sequences. The broader impact of this identification of novel insect resistance genes and the development of these products for agricultural use will be to provide for an improved, environmentally friendly means of agricultural pest management with significant commercial value."
SBIR Phase I: Microbial Source Tracking for Evaluation of Water Quality and Identification of Contaminant Sources,0711777,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,Greg A. Davis,BS,8655738188,gdavis@microbe.com,Greg A. Davis,BS,8655738188,gdavis@microbe.com,"This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research develops a set of microbial source tracking (MST) assays providing a cost-effective method to quantify fecal contamination, identify sources of fecal contamination, and detect pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms in drinking water sources and recreational waters. Collectively, MST is an ever widening group of methods designed to detect and quantify microorganisms indicative of human or animal fecal contamination of water or foods. Although safe drinking water is nearly taken for granted in developed nations, periodic outbreaks of waterborne diseases clearly highlight the need for improved detection of fecal contamination indicators. Since contamination can result from a variety of human (wastewater treatment plants & septic fields), agricultural (confined animal feeding operations), and natural wildlife activities, source identification is the key to MST and ultimately improvement of water quality. The end result of this SBIR Phase I project will be a set of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays offering rapid and sensitive enumeration of fecal contamination indicators, human pathogens, and the ability to identify the contaminant source. Due to the important societal impact of improved water quality, the market opportunities for MST are extremely broad and encompass nearly any public or private entity with a stake in the quality of water resources."
Development of High Speed Multispectral Imaging for Sorting Automotive Plastics,DE-FG02-06ER84559,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,2,750000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,Edward J. Sommer,Dr,6157346400,ejsommer@nrtsorters.com,Edward J. Sommer,Dr,6157346400,ejsommer@nrtsorters.com,"Each year, about 15 million vehicles are discarded and processed by recycling companies for extraction of recyclable materials. While almost all metals are recycled, most non-metallic components of the vehicle (approximately 25% by weight) are not, and are landfilled instead. Therefore, methods and technologies are needed to enable the recycling of these non-metal materials, especially automobile plastics, in order to conserve resources and reduce energy usage. This project will develop a new high-speed electronic detection and sorting technology that can: (1) identify durable automobile plastics as they flow dry in bulk quantities on a conveying system, and (2) sort the plastics into marketable polymer fractions. This new detection and sorting system will be applied to the recovery and recycling of automotive plastics derived from end-of-life automobile shredder plants. In Phase I, a bench-scale prototype sensing system was designed, constructed, tested, and evaluated. Using the prototype system, the feasibility of constructing a high-speed multispectral imaging system, suitable for use in a sorting environment, was established. Phase II will design, engineer, construct, test, and evaluate a prototype high-speed multispectral imaging system that will be integrated with a materials sorting system for automated identification and sorting of polymers from a mixed-polymer stream of plastics. The prototype sorting system will be used to demonstrate the sorting of mixed plastics derived from end-of-life automobiles at commercially-viable processing rates. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new technology should enable an increased ability to recycle used automotive plastics, thereby conserving energy, conserving increasingly limited resources, and reducing the flow of materials to landfills. In addition, a plentiful new source of manufacturing materials to would be provided. The technology also could impact other recycling applications, such as the recycling of electronic waste."
Application of Pixel-Cell Detector Technology for Advanced Neutron Beam Monitors,DE-FG02-07ER84844,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,Mr,8654838675,dkopp@ordela.com,Manfred K. Kopp,Mr,8654838675,mkopp@ordela.com,"At the large-scale national user facilities used for the advanced study of materials, the currently available neutron beam detectors have limitations for intense neutron beams. Yet, a large number of neutron-scattering experiments require beam monitors to operate at intense neutron beam fluxes greater than 10 neutrons per second per square centimeter (n/s/cm). In addition, the currently available beam monitors will need to be replaced in less than two years of operation, due to wire and gas degradation issues. Lastly, there is a need for beam position information that is beyond the capabilities of currently available He and BF neutron beam monitors. To address these issues, this project will explore the use of pixel-cell technology for developing a new generation of stable, long-life, neutron beam monitors. In Phase I, a prototypical Pixel-Cell Neutron Beam monitor will be specified, designed, and constructed. The prototype unit will be tested and evaluated in a neutron beam at the High Flux Isotope Reactor. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: This research effort should lead to the development and commercialization of advanced neutron beam detectors that will directly benefit the Spallation Neutron Source and other intense neutron sources such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor. As a consequence, the neutron flux and spatial resolution capabilities at these facilities would be more fully utilized. Advancing the detector capabilities is equivalent to increasing operational efficiency and reducing experiment beam time, leading to important savings in operational costs."
Navigating the Human Terrain: Development of Cross-Cultural Perspective Taking Skills,W91WAW-07-P-0285,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2007,1,69975.00,"ORGANIZATIONAL RESEARCH GROUP, LLC",5329 Buckhead Trail,,Knoxville,TN,37919-7919,No,No,No,Scott Hutchison,Partner,8652562170,orgrp@comcast.net,Joan Rentsch,Partner,8652562171,orgrp@comcast.net,"As the U.S. Army increasingly operates in multicultural environments, Army leaders at a minimum must develop relationships with the local people. Multicultural perspective-taking competencies will enable leaders to build relationships and to function effectively in multicultural environments. Multicultural perspective-taking competencies are generalizable competencies that will enable Army leaders to extract, interpret, and utilize cultural information in any culture. Recent research (Rentsch & Gundersen, 2006) has identified a set of multicultural perspective-taking competencies including self-awareness, personal and interpersonal skills, regional expertise, extraction skills, interpretation skills, and the development of cultural schema. These multicultural perspective-taking competencies were extracted from a broad search of research in cultural anthropology, psychology, international business, and adult education. Two primary objectives of the proposed effort are (1) to identify any additional multicultural perspective-taking competencies based on interviews with subject matter experts and (2) to develop a prototype training and development system for the initial acquisition of multicultural perspective-taking competencies. To conduct this project, a multidisciplinary team with expertise in intercultural communications and relations, cultural and cognitive anthropology, cross-cultural counseling, international business, training, and adult education has been assembled."
Commercialization of Image-Guided Liver Surgery,4R44CA119502-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,2,1715280.00,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,2969 ARMORY DR.,NASHVILLE,TN,37204,No,No,No,Craig Staples,,,jds@2pti.com,James D. Stefansic,,6157830094,JDS@2PTI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): For the past eight years, an image-guided liver surgery system has been developed by engineers and clinicians at several academic institutions, including Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St. Louis. In
mid-2004, after initial investigations demonstrated that the system could be used in a clinical setting to more effectively treat liver cancer, Pathfinder Therapeutics, Inc. was founded as a medical device corporation to develop commercial, integrated syst
ems for use in image-guided therapy. The primary focus of the company at this time is to take the image-guided liver surgery technology developed in the academic environment and translate it to a commercial setting where it can be specifically used to perf
orm more efficient, accurate procedures and improve patient outcomes. Since its use in neurosurgery over ten years ago, there have always been divergent views of whether image-guided surgery has a place in a particular surgical field until the technology i
s proven to be effective. In order to successfully market and develop a profitable image-guided liver surgery product, we must convince surgeons that this should be the standard of care in treating several forms of liver cancer. The Phase I portion of this
fast-track SBIR details the technical steps that must be completed to create a commercial-quality prototype system that can be replicated for distribution and used in an efficacy clinical trial. The clinical trial detailed in the Phase II portion will dem
onstrate the utility and effectiveness of image-guidance in treating liver cancer. Our trial will focus on demonstrating improvement in several factors that lead to hepatic failure, including increased residual functional liver volume following tumor resec
tion and decreased patient time spent in the operating room. Through this investigation, we will show that image-guided liver surgery should be the standard of care for liver resection procedures. This claim will allow us to successfully commercialize imag
e-guided liver surgery."
Development of a Supermirror Coated Fermi Chopper Slit Package for Inelastic Neutron Scattering,DE-FG02-07ER84811,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,Pecos Inc. Precision Engineering Contracting Servi,"1020 Commerce Park, Suite K",,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,Yes,Yes,No,David B. Prieto,Mr,8657738154,pecosinc@comcast.net,David B. Prieto,Mr,8657738154,pecosinc@comcast.net,"Thermal neutron scattering is an extremely powerful technique for investigating the structure and properties of materials at the atomic level. As a consequence, many countries are currently making large investments in new neutron sources and the associated beamline instruments to carry out neutron scattering experiments. This project will develop a supermirror coated slit package that could be used on neutron scattering beamlines. The proposed slit package would be constructed from either silicon (Si) or sapphire (Al2O3) single crystal wafers coated with m=3 Ni/Ti supermirror layers and interspaced with gadolinium (Gd) neutron absorbing foils. While theoretical calculations suggest that such a slit package would provide a 35% boost in intensity over the currently used aluminum and gadolinium foil slit packages, a number of materials science and engineering must be resolved. The primary issue is whether the silicon and/or sapphire can withstand the forces generated within the slit package and its frame holder when it is rotated at 600Hz (the high-end frequency at which Fermi choppers operate). The design of the frame holder must be optimized to minimize undesirable forces being exerted on the slit package by the frame holder during rotation. In Phase I, mechanical tests will be conducted on single crystal pieces of silicon and sapphire wafers, in order to determine their anisotropic mechanical properties and frictional characteristics. Then, iterative design and finite element analysis calculations will be performed to determine if the slit package can survive at 600Hz. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The US has recently completed the construction of what will be the worldÂ¿s most powerful spallation neutron source, known as the SNS, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The new slit package should be immediately applicable to the HYSPEC instrument located at the SNS, boosting the intensity of low energy neutrons at the sample position by up to 35%."
Segmented Germanium Detectors for High Resolution Gamma-Ray Imaging,DE-FG02-07ER84899,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,100000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,Dr,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Dr,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The DOE Medical Sciences program supports advanced instrumentation for radionuclide imaging, which can serve as the basis for improved SPECT imaging systems. Therefore, this project will develop and evaluate improved detectors for planar radionuclide imaging. Phase I will demonstrate enhanced, intrinsic detector-imaging properties over a small area of a large detector. In Phase II, the entire detector will be instrumented and used for imaging studies, and a second-generation, prototype detector system will produced. The detectors will represent an order of magnitude improvement in early diagnostic capability. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The detectors should find an immediate market with biological researchers performing research in small-animal imaging and possibly in limited human imaging. Eventually, when the detectors are made large enough for clinical applications, they would contribute to a positive impact on health, longevity, and quality of life. These imaging systems also should have applications in nuclear physics, astrophysics, rare-particle detection, nuclear nonproliferation, and homeland security."
Improving the Radiation Damage Resistance of Germanium Detectors,DE-FG02-06ER84501,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,2,750000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan L. Hull,Dr,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan L. Hull,Dr,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"Ever larger gamma ray detector arrays made from germanium crystals are being used, and will continue to be used, in nuclear physics research. However, radiation damage limits the time that a germanium detector can be used; for example, an average Gammasphere detector may function in an array for several months before the effects of the radiation damage become intolerable. Mitigating the effects of radiation damage would significantly improve operation of germanium detector arrays and could greatly reduce the need for annealing detectors in radiation damage environments. By far, the operating temperature is the most important parameter affecting the degradation of detectors caused by radiation damage. This project will analyze the effect of temperature reduction well below the ~95K range, where liquid-nitrogen cooled detectors operate, and design viable options to cool complex arrays to much colder temperatures. Phase I addressed the preliminary complexities of designing and fabricating a mechanically-cooled prototype detector system with the size and cryostat geometry of a Gammasphere detector. This system was shown to achieve reliable operating temperatures of approximately 50K. Phase II will develop, fabricate, and test a mechanically-cooled germanium detector system that will be fit into a Gammasphere. The engineering complexities of multiple system arrays will to be addressed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The integration of mechanically-cooled, multiple detector systems into complex arrays would reduce the physical size of the array, improve efficiency and longevity, and greatly diminish costs and maintenance of large-array diagnostic detector systems. The technology should impact the operation of germanium detectors at nuclear physics user facilities like Gammasphere, many of which are DOE supported."
Position-sensitive identification and tracking system for neutron-induced detection and location of explosives at large distances POSITRACK,FA9451-07-C-0069,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2007,2,749886.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Hull,President and CEO,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,President and CEO,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"This effort will develop technology to improve the detection and location high explosives at large distances. The system will involve the use of an advanced gamma-ray detector and a neutron source. The detector concept will be developed into two prototype systems that will serve to demonstrate the viability of the concept. These demonstrations will serve as the experimental validation of the technique and the motivation for scaling up the appropriate technologies to allow the detection of landmines, roadside bombs, and car bombs at safe distances (many tens of meters). The technologies can be manufactured."
Poplar Root System Characterization Studies for Next Generation Root Research,2007-33610-18517,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2007,2,346000.00,PHENOTYPE SCREENING CORP.,10233 CHAPMAN HWY,,Seymour,TN,37865-3045,No,No,No,Daniel W. McDonald,President,8653858641,mcdonalddw@phenotypescreening.com,Daniel W. McDonald,President,8653858641,mcdonalddw@phenotypescreening.com,"We propose a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between Phenotype Screening Corporation, (PSC), and the USDAs Forest Services Northern Research Station to investigate the suitability of PSCs recent innovation, Plant Root Characterization System, for use in tree research. The Plant Root Characterization System, (PRCS), employs low energy digital x-ray radiography together with specially formulated artificial substrate and container materials in order to provide high resolution x-ray images of plant root structure. This x-ray imaging can be repeated on the same plant at different times in its growth cycle to reveal plant root morphology over time in a non-destructive manner. This innovation has opened new avenues of research for plant scientists interested in root systems.
There remain unanswered scientific questions as to the applicability of the device for long-term tree research. The Northern Research Station, (NRS), has a long research history into tree root dynamics and has evaluated and used most state-of-the-art approaches to root measurement and characterization. NRS staff researchers are interested in characterizing the PRCS performance and limitations for tree root research. In Phase I, NCRS and PSC compared Poplar tree seedling growth and root development in both soils and PSCs artificial substrate and container materials. Traditional root system characterization methods, presently used by NCRS, were compared against measures provided by the PRCS. The NCRS and PSC jointly developed results were used to identify viable application domains for the system in forestry research, identify shortcomings in materials and approach that if corrected could enable additional applications in forestry research and identify areas of research where the system should not be applied. Phase II will implement prioritized recommended enhancements and demonstrate the suitability of the device in the commercially and scientifically important area of Poplar phenotype screening. This information will be useful to government, university and industrial researchers interested in enhanced root characterization instrumentation."
"STTR Phase I: Representation and Visualization of Plant Genotypic, Phenotypic,and Environmental Relationships",0637869,NSF,NSF,STTR,2007,1,150000.00,PHENOTYPE SCREENING CORP.,10233 CHAPMAN HWY,,Seymour,TN,37865-3045,No,No,No,Ronald B. Michaels,PhD,8652355854,ron@phenotypescreening.com,Ronald B. Michaels,Dr,8652355854,ron@phenotypescreening.com,"This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I proposal addresses the visualization and study of the architectural properties of plant roots which, by their nature, are difficult to view and study in vivo. The research objective of this proposal is to develop a method for the analysis and visual display of the architectural properties of root systems based on radiographic images of root systems. Topology based analysis technology will be transferred from Duke University and combined with an existing correlation based method to process raw images and abstract from those images relevant architectural parameters. An existing network visualization package will be adapted for use with plant root metrics. A plant growth demonstration will be conducted, root architectures characterized, and displayed using network methods. It is anticipated that by displaying plant root architectural metrics in an interactive visual user interface using network methods, will allow the plant researcher to observe relationships among genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental plant data.The understanding of the genetic basis of root architecture is important in that roots play a critical role in plant growth; however, the methods currently used for plant root research are relatively primitive, as compared to above surface methods. The economic significance of this innovation is that it proposes an enabling technology near the beginning of a long value chain structure that begins with basic plant improvement research and ends in a projected $500 billion bio-product market. Even small improvements made in plant yield will have large impacts by the multiplier effect of this market size. The societal impact of improved plant species using gene transforming methods and conventional breeding methods will be greater productivity of food, fibers, bioenergy crops, and other biomass products."
Plasma Limiter: Electromagnetic Attack Protection for BMDS Radars,W9113M-07-C-0023,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2007,1,99998.00,PLASMA SCIENCES CORP.,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-7421,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,Controller,4238944646,rogerdalebailey@comcast.net,Luke Gritter,Principal Investigator,4238944646,plasmascience@hotmail.com,"The enabling solid state semiconductor technology in radar systems supporting the U. S. Army's ballistic missile defense program increases its vulnerability to the effects of high power, fast rise-time EMP, HPM, and UWB pulses. In recent years, significant advances in the technology used to produce these pulses have been made in the United States and abroad, increasing the need for effective protection against these threats. Plasma Sciences Corporation (PSC) has extensive experience in the development of plasma limiters to protect sensitive electronic equipment from high power, fast rise-time pulses. Existing plasma limiter technology utilizes a metallic point-plane electrode configuration. While this configuration has been reasonably effective, the advent of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays presents an opportunity to greatly improve plasma limiter performance. Using a CNT array as a field enhancing electrode in a plasma limiter promises to offer faster reaction time, higher power handling capability, and greater reliability than existing systems, providing effective protection for BMDS radars against high power, fast rise-time pulses."
High Throughput Fractionation and Concentration System for MALDI-MS,2R44RR022662-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,2,750002.00,"PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.","PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.",418 South Gay Street,KNOXVILLE,TN,37902,No,No,No,Witkowski E. Charles,,,chuck@proteindiscovery.com,Dean G. Hafeman,,8659270043,DEAN@PROTEINDISCOVERY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): High Throughput Fractionation and Concentration System for MALDI-MS This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to build upon the successful work completed in the Phase I feasibility study to op
timize and construct a prototype system for the preparation of up to 96 serum samples in parallel for matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). This system, called the MALDIplex(tm) M5 Sample Prep Station, consists of a be
nchtop instrument, a graphical user interface (GUI), and single-use 96-well cartridges. The MALDIplex cartridges are specially designed to permit parallel vertical separation from each well through a series of stacked thin layer supports. The system permit
s integrated sample purification, fractionation, concentration, and desalting - all in a single, easy to use cartridge. Using this system, samples may be prepared simulaneously in less than 45 minutes. No other system offers the potential throughput and da
ta quality achievable with this system. Phase II efforts will focus on the further development and optimization of quantitation and fractionation protocols, as well as improved system designs (for automation) and methods for protein identification from the
cartridge surface. This innovative technology has the potential to play a key role in improving the understanding, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of complex disease such as cancer. If successful, the Phase II will result in an optimized sample prepar
ation system ready for full scale manufacturing and commercialization in Phase III. 7. Project Narrative High Throughput Fractionation and Concentration System for MALDI-MS The search of novel drug targets and disease markers (biomarkers) using mass spectr
ometry holds tremendous potential for improving the understanding, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease. Many complex, life threatening diseases, such as cancer, require early diagnosis to maximize effective treatment. If successful, this Phase I
I research project will enable large scale, clinically-relevant biomarker discovery using mass spectrometry, which has the potential of revealing new, highly sensitive biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and to predict treatment response."
SBIR Phase I: Improved Technology for Recycling Tires,0638006,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2007,1,99785.00,"Rubber Recovery Solutions, LLC",701 Cherokee Blvd,Suite 210,Chattanooga,TN,37405-3325,No,No,No,Uwe A. Zitzow,MME,4237564321,Uwe@chattanooga.net,Uwe A. Zitzow,MME,4237564321,Uwe@chattanooga.net,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop technology for a commercially feasible process for processing scrap tires into high quality crumb rubber. Current technology requires a high capital investment, high energy costs, high maintenance costs, high transportation cost, and a processing plant that, to be economically feasible, must have a high throughput. The research objective and anticipated outcome is the development of a technology that economically recycles tires in smaller, more energy efficient, facilities that can be located closer to the tire source and produce a high grade of crumb rubber. The research objective will be achieved by developing innovative methods to treat the tires and to separate the steel belts from the rubber prior to grinding. The broader impact of this research will be to provide a method to economically recycle tires at a throughput of approximately two hundred thousand tires per year. Society will benefit from the proposed tire recycling facility that would encourage the recycling of tires in less populated areas, reducing the cost of transportation, and reducing the energy required to process scrap tires."
LPA Receptor Modulators as Radioprotectants,1R43CA126603-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,1,97162.00,"RXBIO, INC.",1325 SUNSET DR,,JOHNSON CITY,TN,37604-3619,No,No,No,Shannon W. Mccool,,,smccool@rxbio.com,Veeresa Gududuru,,4239283330,VGUDUDURU@RXBIO.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this Phase I proposal is to perform lead optimization of a novel small molecular radioprotectant based on the Rx100 scaffold. Rx100, a metabolically stabilized analog of phospholipid growth factor lysophosph
atidic acid (LPA), has shown promising results in mice, protecting the gut from radiation-induced mucositis, and preventing death when administered either before or up to six hours after exposure to ionizing radiation. Our knockout mouse studies indicate t
hat LPA2 is the molecular target for radioprotection. Rx100 is a potent and full agonist at LPA2 GPCR; however, it is a partial agonist of the pro-apoptotic lipid-regulated transcription factor PPAR?. Based on our preliminary findings, we hypothesize that
(1) synthetic optimization of Rx100 will provide selective LPA2 agonists devoid of PPAR? activity; (2) Rx100 analogs could be developed as potent radioprotective agents for ameliorating the gastrointestinal mucositis accompanied by cancer radiotherapy, lea
ding to enhancement of the efficacy of radiotherapy and improvement of cancer survivors' quality of life; and (3) Rx100 analogs could be developed as a medical countermeasure against acute gastrointestinal syndrome and hematopoietic syndrome caused by unin
tended whole-body exposure to radiation in the events of nuclear accident or radiation terrorism. Studies proposed herein are designed to test the hypothesis that the activity of Rx100 analogs can be optimized, and the success of these studies would provid
e a strong foundation for the hypothesis that this new class of therapeutic agents can be developed for the effective protection of human life from inadvertent radiation exposure. The product(s) have marketable potential, because they could be used for the
protection of populations potentially subjected to accidental, military, or therapeutic radiation exposure, workers in nuclear industry, astronauts and cancer patients. Unintended exposure to radiation via a nuclear accident, explosion of a dirty bomb,
can have devastating consequences to mankind. Radiation terrorism - a form of bioterrorism that exposes humans to damaging levels of radiation - is a real threat our nation faces everyday with no lesser risks than other modalities of microbial bioterrorism
. Death from radiation treatment occurs from either gastrointestinal syndrome or hematopoietic syndrome due to the extreme sensitivity of stem cells to ionizing radiation. RxBio proposes to develop therapeutic agents based on Rx100's lead scaffold to preve
nt or minimize the damage due to radiation exposure and save innocent life in case of a nuclear or dirty-bomb explosion. This technology also offers applications for the attenuation of the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy of cancer."
In-situ Quantification and Speciation Analysis of Radionuclides via Fiberoptic Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS),DE-FG02-07ER86325,DOE,DOE,STTR,2007,1,100000.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Val Golovlev,Dr,8656712166,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Baohua Gu,Dr,8655747286,gub1@ornl.gov,"Real-time, in situ measurement and monitoring tools for interrogating biogeochemical processes in the subsurface environment are critical to assessing remediation performance and site stewardship at many contaminated DOE sites. In particular, in situ quantification and speciation analysis of important radionuclides are essential to facilitate the rapid identification of potential hazards, shorter turn-around times for analytical results, and improved stewardship. Current techniques for monitoring and characterizing radionuclides rely primarily on liquid scintillation counting, ICP-MS, and the limited use of spectrofluorimetry. These techniques often require chemical handling (for example, the use of scintillation cocktails in liquid scintillation counting) or complexing media (such as phosphoric acids) in order to enhance signals and selectivity in fluorimetry. Additionally, these analyses usually require high-cost capital equipment and a lengthy analytical time. This project will develop a new tool for in situ quantification and speciation analysis of radionuclides and other groundwater constituents via fiberoptic surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The specific objectives are to: (1) develop new methods to detect and characterize important radionuclides (such as uranium and technetium) and other groundwater constituents (such as nitrate and sulfate) by exploiting recent breakthroughs in SERS; (b) optimize methodologies to synthesize SERS substrates with improved selectivity and sensitivity; and (3) fabricate a prototype fiberoptic SERS probe that can be interfaced with a portable Raman spectrometer for in situ measurements. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: A novel SERS technique for monitoring and characterizing radionuclides and other groundwater constituents in the subsurface environment would benefit DOE remediation efforts. The technique also could be used to detect other priority environmental pollutants, such as perchlorate and chlorinated organic compounds, found at many of the industrial and DOD sites. The estimated market is on the order of multi-million dollars per year."
ENZYMATIC LUMINESCENCE microRNA ASSAY,1R43CA126647-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,1,200000.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Ye Sun,,,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Ye Sun,,8656712166,YE_SUN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a new, highly sensitive, and cost-effective RNA Enzymatic Luminescence Assay (qELA) for high-throughput detection and quantification of microRNA in biological samples. The a
ssay implements the same detection concept known from pyrosequencing, yet expands pyrosequencing detection methodology for highly sensitive and accurate quantification of small RNA molecules. The proposed assay has unique sensitivity and dynamic range and
is expected to outperform real-time PCR in applications for analysis of small RNA molecules. The qELA requires less expensive reagents and equipment than RT-PCR and microarrays and can be used in a number of commercial assays for application in life scienc
es research, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis."
REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION FREE MICROARRAY ANALYSIS,2R44GM074311-02A2,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2007,2,750000.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Val Golovlev,,,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Ye Sun,,8656712166,YE_SUN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a new microarray platform for performing high-multiplexed analysis of RNA and DNA without chemical modification of target molecules for detection. The main innovation of the propos
ed approach is the use nanometer-size particles, which carry electric charges and are capable of binding to non-modified target molecules on microarray. This new approach eliminates labeling bias and increases accuracy of RNA and DNA analysis. The approach
also significantly reduces time and cost of analysis and allows inexpensive equipment to be used for highly sensitive detection of DNA and RNA on high-density microarrays. In Phase I the proof-of-principle of the proposed approach was demonstrated
by comparing results of proposed detection approach and conventional fluorescent microarrays. Application of the proposed microarray system was demonstrated for differential gene expression analysis of normal and ionomycin-stimulated T- cells. In Phase II
the system will be further optimized for compatibility with main brands of microarray products and validated for gene expression analysis and microbial genotyping through collaboration with research groups at academic institutions. Achieving the p
roposed goals of technical performance, simplicity and cost efficiency will provide critical breakthrough and establish a new standard in microarray field. The proposed microarray platform can be implemented in a number of new commercial products, which ca
n find broad application in biomedical research, clinical diagnosis, environmental control, bio-defense, and other areas, which require detection, recognition, and quantification of biological agents.The goal of this project is to develop a new microarray
system for gene expression analysis of total RNA without labeling and reverse transcription to cDNA. The proposed microarray platform is the only microarray sytem on market, which is capable of high- multiplexed analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins without ch
emical modification of target molecules. With the recent reports of using microarrays in clinical tests for tumorogenesis and prognosis of a chemotherapy outcome, introducing an advanced and inexpensive microarray platform will find broad applications in c
ancer research, developmental genetics, clinical diagnosis, drug discovery, toxicogenomics, and environmental analysis in more than 1,800 clinical laboratories and 45,000 of life science research laboratories in US alone."
3-D Density Measurements for the ITER Disruption Mitigation Test Stand and NCSX,DE-FG02-07ER84724,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2007,1,99992.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,C. e. E. Thomas Jr.,Dr,8655790113,thomasce2@att.net,C. E. Thomas,Dr,8655790113,thomasce2@att.net,"Magnetic Fusion Energy holds out the hope of supplying clean energy to the world and eliminating the causes of global warming. While research to date has shown high probability that an ignited magnetic fusion device can be built (e.g., the ITER Project), present research is focused on making fusion reactors more attractive and usable devices. Improving confinement and fueling in magnetic fusion devices can significantly improve the attractiveness of reactors by making them smaller, and easier to ignite and maintain. To this end, a digital holographic imaging device Â¿ which provides three dimensional (3D) density, particle transport, and fueling data, at high speed and high spatial resolution Â¿ would make it possible to study and understand both transport and fueling with greatly increased resolution. Therefore, this project will develop a digital holographic camera system (320x256 pixels or 160x128 pixels, programmable) that uses a pulsed CO2 laser light source. The camera will provide views with 82,000 or 20,000 separate chordal measurements of the plasma under study, at frame rates of 420 or 1,300 frames per second (or even higher frame rates at lower spatial resolutions). This approach will provide differential, implicitly 3D particle transport measurements by providing the time evolution of fine-grained plasma density profiles at spatial resolutions never previously obtained. Phase I will fabricate a low-cost infrared (CO2 laser) demo system with a low-cost (low speed) digital infrared camera. The camera will demonstrate feasibility at infrared (CO2) wavelengths. During Phase II, a full CO2 laser digital holography system will be developed for installation on the NCSX stellarator fusion physics research device. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: An infrared digital holography system for fusion energy plasma diagnostics should lead to improved magnetic fusion energy generation. Additionally, the development is expected to result in the commercialization of unique measurement systems in a number of electronics and manufacturing industries. For example, the $3B semiconductor diagnostic equipment market needs a capability for high-volume, cost-sensitive micron-scale measurements, which potentially could be addressed by digital holography operating in the infrared. Also, applications for infrared digital holography exist in the $50B flat panel display and $5B micro-electro-mechanical structures (MEMS) industries."
Optimal Durability and Reliability Testing of Gas Turbine Components,FA8650-07-M-2775,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2007,1,99946.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Mgr M&S,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"Through the traditional design and development cycles, prototype hardware components are built, tested, and the design is then modified for unforeseen shortcomings revealed in testing. These cycles are both too time consuming and costly. The cost of physical tests is rising while the cost of computer cycles is plummeting. It seems only common sense to replace the former with the latter. This Phase I will demonstrate feasibility of developing a integrated framework to demonstrate the durability and reliability of turbine engines. This will be accomplished through the use of physics based probabilistic simulations, scaled turbine engine testing and statistical evaluation. The combination of scaled testing and Weibull-based probabilistic analysis, full scale testing can be dramatically reduced to a highly cost effective function unlike today. The modeling approach proposed herein will highlight issues and problems well before any actual full-scale testing takes place. The envisioned framework will consider the inherent uncertainty that exists in real world systems through the combination of multiple engine tests to provide a sound statistical database of component durability and Weibull analysis and Bayesian techniques to minimize uncertainty at the system level."
Integrally Bladed Rotor (IBR) Sustainment,FA8650-07-M-2767,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2007,1,99996.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Mgr M&S,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"Integrally bladed rotors (IBRs) have become prevalent in new military gas turbine engines. IBRs replace rotors with inserted blades. As with other types of unitized structures, IBRs greatly reduce part count and thus improve assembly and maintainability. This SBIR proposes innovative advanced physics based life modeling techniques to accurately determine the probability of failure of undamaged, damaged and repaired IBRs. System reliability techniques will be developed that recognize that an IBR is an advanced component with many geometric complexities and many active failure mechanism. Because the IBR is a single piece of hardware, the loading and failure mechanism at different locations on the IBR are not independent and can't be treated that way during life analysis. VEXTEC has developed patented system reliability methods to assess the risk of failure of complex machines such as automobiles and heavy machinery. These methods will be extended to IBRs. Validation testing will performed to verify the analysis methods. . The ultimate goal of this SBIR will be to show that a modeling method can be established to predict the life of a repaired IBR with a high degree of accuracy. VEXTEC will conduct both computational IBR modeling and scaled physical testing within Phase I Uniquely, VEXTEC has developed and constructed a scaled turbine test rig which will be used to prove-out modeling feasibility through direct comparison with an IBR that was fielded and then repaired and then returned to the field until failure."
Digital Electronics Health Prognosis,N68335-07-C-0171,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2007,2,845844.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,LNASSER@VEXTEC.COM,Robert Tryon,Chief Technology Officer,6153720299,RTRYON@VEXTEC.COM,"A comprehensive Air System PHM approach will be developed for avionics digital circuits. As a mission is flown, temperature and vibration data indicate the stresses imposed on the electronics. This technology translates global stresses onto individual circuit board components and even the materials that make up those components. Based on VEXTEC proprietary material degradation physics modeling component degradation is predicted. Overall electronics life is a function of the combination of individual component lives considering interactions. This Phase II will develop a PHM solution with core physics of failure models for the F136 FADEC. It will be designed to segregate impending failure from intermittent fault prediction. The electronics damage state directly affects the number and frequency of operating intermittent faults which is evaluated by the model and used to predict the probability of an intermittent fault for missions to come. Bayesian updating within the prognostic algorithm will provide confidence in the model outputs. This SBIR work will facilitate in launch of FEA-based tool for electronics design. In parallel, VEXTEC will develop a PHM algorithm for an already developed FADEC."
Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Structural Analysis Methods for Gas Turbine Engine Metallic Components and Component Assemblies,FA8650-07-C-5224,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2007,2,749911.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,President,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Director M&S,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"The objective of this Phase II program is to implement, demonstrate and validate the computational techniques that were developed in Phase I that can be used for materials-damage based prognosis of gas turbine engine components and component assemblies. This approach will consist of a probabilistic multi-axial three-dimensional non-linear structural analysis method to enable the implementation of advanced life prediction and prognosis systems for aerospace gas turbine engine components and assemblies. The proposed methodology is based on key damage mechanisms including three dimensional crack growth in components and assemblies of components, material behavior, surface-treatment induced residual stress effects, and complex mission loading, coupled with detectable sensor parameters. Since the implementation of such advanced systems requires integration with the operation of the engines, close technical collaboration with OEMs will be maintained. This program will develop an efficient three-dimensional method that can be utilized for prediction of damage progression in a complex tri-axial stress state. Capability will be demonstrated through component life predictions and comparison with crack growth to failure results to be obtained from a scaled gas turbine engine testing."
Physics Based Gear Health Prognosis via Modeling Coupled with Component Level Tests,N00014-07-M-0444,DOD,NAVY,STTR,2007,1,69999.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,President/CEO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Director M&S,6153720299,Rholmes@vextec.com,"PHM investments can successfully diagnose up to 70% of damage fault indications. The cost of empirically-based testing is very high and must be reworked for every gear system design change. Physics-based FEA combined with long crack modeling can be self-adapting and overcome the high cost of pure statistical approaches but still unable to diagnose the remaining 30% failures because onset of damage is too small and happens too quickly. VEXTEC has already developed techniques for modeling damage at the fundamental microstructural level which will uniquely be applied to gear system PHM under this STTR. The modeling properties include geometry, composition, material characteristics, case hardness, core hardness, case depth, design ratios of case to tooth thickness, surface finish, and machining are directly and explicitly addressed in the formulation of the micromechanical material model. The objective of this STTR is to develop physics-based failure models to allow for explicit prognosis of air vehicle gear components and systems. This project provides for successful modeling of the effects of tooth bending, spalling, and pitting to advance the understanding of these failure modes as a critical and new approach to aerospace application prognosis."
Software for the Design and Certification of Unitized Airframe Components,FA9550-07-C-0006,DOD,USAF,STTR,2007,2,742566.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,CEO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"This SBIR Phase II will demonstrate the feasibility for a unitized component structural design tool that allows for holistic risk assessment. The analysis will transform the FEA predicted stress (or strain) state into fully probabilistic assessment of uncertainty in geometry and loading throughout the component. Thereafter the design tool will conduct probabilistic microstructural damage accumulation modeling to predict the material degradation or damage state evolution throughout the component. During Phase II, IDA concept will be developed into a comprehensive methodology and coding. One of the primary drivers of the cost of fabrication is manufacturing tolerance control. The statistical variation of the part's configuration serves as the input to IDA. Thus, the different combinations of allowable variations in the component's configuration can be determined based on the allowable risk of component failure. The effect of the variation in geometry, microstructure, residual stress state and their influences on each other are assessed in the robust analysis. Finally it will be shown how the envisioned IDA can be used directly for aircraft structural fleet analysis."
On-Line Monitoring of Accuracy and Reliability of Instrumentation and Health of Nuclear Power Plants,DE-FG02-06ER84626,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,99765.00,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,mitchell@ams-corp.com,H. M. Hashemian,Mr.,8656911756,hash@ams-corp.com,"The nuclear power industry continues to depend largely on antiquated methods and hands-on maintenance for its instrumentation, for plant-aging management, and health monitoring. This project will develop on-line monitoring technology that will help establish the accuracy and reliability of nuclear power plant instrumentation and also will help in the management of aging critical plant equipment. Advanced data acquisition and data analysis techniques, which can readily meet the needs of the nuclear industry for automated maintenance and plant health management, will be identified, evaluated, and tested in Phase I. These techniques will include data qualification algorithms; steady-state data-analysis techniques, involving both physical and empirical modeling; and dynamic signal analysis, such as Fast Fourier Transfer (FFT) and Autoregressive Modeling (AR). The feasibility of an on-line monitoring system for nuclear power plants will be established. The analytical techniques will be integrated into a prototype system in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should find use in conventional, advanced, and Gen IV reactors as well as in such non-nuclear industries as fossil fuel generation, chemical plants, and aerospace. The system would: (1) ensure the accuracy and reliability of process instrumentation; (2) characterize the overall health of a plant; (3) provide a means to guard against aging degradation that can impair safety; (4) provide timely information and data to plant operators, allowing accurate decision making for control and safety monitoring; and (5) establish the condition of critical plant equipment, needed to prioritize maintenance resources and optimize maintenance tasks."
Universal Fingerprinting Chips,1R43GM076792-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,253201.00,"AMERIGENICS, INC.",1326 OPEN RANGE RD,,CROSSVILLE,TN,38555,No,No,No,Benjamin Adler,,9317078111,badler1@houston.rr.com,Kenneth L. Beattie,,9317078111,kbeattie@frontiernet.net,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed Universal Fingerprinting Chips (UFCs) are microarrays of thousands of oligonucleotide probes designed to interrogate the ""sequence space"" occupied by essentially any genome or transcriptome. The probe sequences are selected according to specific criteria tailored to the particular application. For example, the probe length will depend on the genetic complexity of the analyte nucleic acid and sequences are chosen to maximize the sequence diversity and avoid repetitive sequences and yield information-rich hybridization fingerprints. Major envisioned applications of the UFC include species, strain and individual identification, phylogenetic tree construction, DNA marker discovery, and gene expression profiling. One advantage of the UFC over traditional DNA fingerprinting methods is its greater information content, which is envisioned to increase the accuracy of species and strain identification. Another advantage of the UFC is that its use does not require any nucleotide sequence information, which enables genomic fingerprinting and gene expression profiling to be carried out in species that have not yet been sequenced. In the field of molecular systematics it is envisioned that phylogenetic relationships can be determined simply and rapidly using the UFC, as opposed to the current labor-intensive sequencing approach. In this Phase I SBIR we propose to demonstrate feasibility of the UFC for microbial identification and phylogenetic tree construction. The specific aims include (i) determine appropriate probe length for DNA samples of various genetic complexities; (ii) identify experimental protocols that yield reproducible UFC fingerprints; (iii) design and fabricate UFCs for species identification and phylogenetic tree construction in bacteria; (iv) build a UFC Reference Database containing both experimentally derived and in silico-predicted fingerprints and develop fingerprint analysis tools; and (v) demonstrate the utility of UFC in bacterial identification and phylogenetic tree construction. The UFCs will be designed using Amerigenics' UFCdesigner software and fabricated in the Invitrogen microfluidic XeoChip platform. UFCs will be tested using a variety of bacterial DNAs acquired from ATCC plus strains in the University of Tennessee Center for Environmental Biotechnology culture collection. Phylogenetic trees constructed using Amerigenics' UFCtree software will be compared with those obtained by the traditional sequence alignment method."
Bioagent Characterization by Iterative Extension,1R43AI068568-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,606491.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Richard A. Hurt,,8654831113,HURT@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Project Summary - A new syndrome-based diagnostic system for rapid detection and identification of category B and C priority pathogens is proposed. Phase 1 will focus on V. cholerae genes and genes from similar pathogens. The technique relies upon a helicase-driven iterative primer extension reaction (HDIE) that uses isothermal, multiplexed target amplification to produce short, labeled, single-stranded DNA products with sequences representative of the sample DNA. These reaction products are ideal for hybridization to short probes immobilized on microarrays, thus providing gene identification of any pathogen in the sample. Phase II will expand the technique to a wide variety of category B and C priority pathogens. Successful completion of the research will result in a syndrome-based diagnostic system that can identify one or more pathogens in a sample among a large number of candidates. The technique will be isothermal and require minimum equipment for the initial reactions, making it useful to first responders in a biowarfare attack or an outbreak. HDIE relies on the fact that there are a large number of regions in any gene that are missing one of the four DNA bases over a span of 12 to 40 bases. HDIE primers are designed to be complementary to a section of the target DNA immediately adjacent to the 3' end of one of these void regions. Once the primer is annealed to the target DNA, the extension reaction proceeds from the 3' end of the primer using the region lacking either A, T, G, or C as the template. When the first occurrence of the missing base is encountered the extension reaction is terminated by incorporation of a complementing dideoxynucleotide. DNA helicases separate the extension reaction products from the template molecules, allowing iterative non-exponential target amplification. The HDIE products can be hybridized to microarray probes and detected using conventional fluorescence methods. The fact that the reaction is terminated after a very short extension, along with fact that amplification is linear rather than exponential, allows hundreds of primers to be present in a single reaction tube.
Although the HDIE approach is designed to overcome difficulties specific to parallel pathogen diagnosis, it can be extended to many applications that tap into the lucrative molecular diagnostics market, including foodborne pathogen detection, agricultural and veterinary testing, water testing, and clinical testing. In 2005, the global market for molecular diagnostics is expected to be $6.5 billion, or about 3.3% of the total diagnostics market and approximately 14% of the in vitro diagnostic market. The molecular diagnostics market is forecast to increase to $12 billion by 2010 and $35 billion by 2015.
Relevance - The proposed research directly addresses the need for a syndrome-based assay that can rapidly identify' the pathogen or pathogens responsible for disease in case of a biowarfare attack or a major outbreak."
Interactive CD Guide for Food-Borne Fungal Indentification,2006-33610-17327,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2006,2,131940.00,"BCN Research Laboratories, Inc.",P. O. Box 50305,,Knoxville,TN,37950,Yes,Yes,No,Shawn Johnson,Vice President,8655586819,universalsani@msn.com,Emilia Rico,CEO/President,8655586819,emirico@msn.com,"Although good textbooks on food mycology are available, a clear need exists for simpler and more visual identification systems. Because of ease of manufacture and use, interactive potential and ability to display color pictures, the CD is the ideal medium for such a system. However nothing of this sort is available. The proposed project aims to produce an interactive CD for the identification of food-borne fungi for use by industry personnel and consulting laboratories. The CD will be aimed not so much at mycologists, but at food bacteriologists, who have excellent training in microbiological techniques, but lack specialist knowledge of food mycology."
Data Analysis Algorithm Suitable for Structural Health Monitoring Based on Dust Network,NNA06BC37C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2006,2,599991.00,"Brilliant Technology, Inc.",1500 Woodward Ct,,Brentwood,TN,37027-8641,No,Yes,No,Kevin K. Tseng,Business Official,6153008481,Kevin.Tseng@tBrilliant.com,Kevin Tseng,Principal Investigator,6153008481,Kevin.Tseng@tBrilliant.com,"This proposed project will attempt to develop a data analysis system for structural health monitoring on space structures. The data analysis software will be a key component in space vehicle health management system and can be used to in vehicle life prediction. The sensor data analysis algorithm is aimed at providing a modeling and simulation tool for data collected from a network of distributed sensors. The sensor network can be implemented via the state-of-the-art technology of distributed wireless dust network. A novel algorithm combining measurement data from the sensors and the analytical model based on the concept of finite element analysis is proposed and the feasibility of the algorithm to detect structural damage will be tested in this project. The project focuses on integrating the new mesh sensor network technology into structural health monitoring. The data analysis system can monitor the performance of defective structural component in a space vehicle and issue proper warning for maintenance and repair. The concept has been tested feasible in Phase I. During Phase II, the algorithm will be further developed into a commercial software to be used for the structural integrity monitoring of many engineering applications."
Detection of Termites Using Distributed Wireless Monitoring,2006-33610-17596,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2006,2,296000.00,"Hatchpoint, LLC",P.O. Box 38361,,Germantown,TN,38183,No,No,No,R. S. Luttrell,Chief Executive Officer,9014140120,shane@creare-design.com,R. S. Luttrell,Chief Executive Officer,9014140120,rluttrell@hatchpoint.com,"Structural damage from termite infestation causes over $2 Billion in damage yearly within the U.S. In addition, current treatment methods are labor intensive and provide little feedback as to effectiveness. This effort will develop a prototype system for remote monitoring and detection of termites."
"High Specific Power, Rapid Start-up 95 GHz Source Technology",FA9451-06-M-0074,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2006,1,90501.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Mike Coffey,President,8654829551,mcoffey@cryomagnetics.com,Adam Berryhill,Senior Engineer,8654829551,aberryhill@cryomagnetics.com,"Since the 1990's, applications requiring high power (>1 KW) millimeter wave energy have relied on either gyrotrons or multiple gryotwystron amplifiers. While the gryotwystron approach offers bandwidth and single point failure benefits, it is inherently more complex and larger than that of the single gyrotron. The gyrotron however requires a superconducting magnet to create the 3.7 Tesla field necessary for operation. Critical to the operation of the superconducting magnet and its start up is a closed cycle refrigeration system, or cryocooler, to cool the magnet to cryogenic ("
Innovative Piezoelectric Air Pump Manufacturing Technology,N00164-06-C-6050,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,V.P. OF OPERATIONS,6155956665,info@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,CHIEF MANAGER,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM) proposes an innovative manufacturing technology for piezoelectric air pumps. The novel approach for manufacturing will take piezoelectric pumps, which have been generally designed and manufactured using a hand intensive process, from a laboratory stage to a production ready stage. Bringing the piezoelectric pump to a production stage will make them valuable as compact, efficient and quiet air-flow pumps for the emerging fuel cell market. Piezoelectric drive pumps have significant advantages over conventional electromagnetic driven pump technologies in the area of weight, reliability and low acoustic signature. The pump design will gain its ""smarts"" by incorporating an on board micro-controller to coordinate the pumping control and monitor flow output. The manufacturing improvements will focus on less expensive machining and production methods for compact flexure based mechanisms and assembly methods for reducing the hand intensive processes used in traditional piezoelectric device assembly."
Vertical Accelerator for Visual-Vestibular Acuity Testing and Training,N00014-06-M-0067,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,V.P. OF OPERATIONS,6155956665,mjohns@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,CHIEF MANAGER,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Military personnel are often subjected to significant amounts of vertical acceleration while carrying out their duties. This acceleration can interfere with the person's ability to perform their required tasks due to the vestibular ocular reflexes caused by viewing a platform fixed display. Also, it has been shown in literature that repeated exposure to this type of motion can desensitize a person from these natural reflexes. The development of a vertical lift mechanism and training station that can provide an important test/measurement/training function is proposed to provide the basis of a tool for testing and desensitizing of military individuals. Proposed for the test station is a vertical linear stage directly driven via high force linear motor technology. The carriage of this stage will include a chair and restraint system as well as a projection device for displaying visual optotypes. The system will include a fail safe brake system and all necessary redundancies to ensure the safety of the human subject."
Standard Data Exchanges for Distribution System Management,DE-FG02-06ER84648,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,Enernex Corporation,170C Market Place Boulevard,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Jeffrey D. Lamoree,Mr.,8656915540,jeff@enernex.com,Thomas E. McDermott,Dr.,8656915540,tom@enernex.com,"The databases and software tools developed for the electrical distribution system do not interoperate. As a result, electric utilities incur a number of problems: increased costs for training and database maintenance; delays in completing engineering studies and other functions; and, often, a decreased quality of output from software systems. For software providers, this situation leads to market entry barriers and a reluctance by utilities to quickly adopt new algorithms and methods. This project will develop a set of two-way, data translation modules that can be used by software vendors, university researchers, and other parties to support the interoperability of their software systems. In Phase I, an open source Web site will be developed and populated with test data, including a mechanism for public feedback. The first few data translation modules will be written using XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) Web technology. More complicated translations, for real-time performance and for broad commercial application, will be developed for Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should allow utilities to choose a variety of software tools, selecting the best one for each function, and assure that there will be interoperability among the tools. The end result would be a reduction in cost and/or improvement in reliability for utilities and their customers. Researchers would have better access to utility data, which could lead to the faster adoption of new algorithms."
Distribution System State Estimation,DE-FG02-06ER84647,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,Enernex Corporation,170C Market Place Boulevard,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Jeffrey D. Lamoree,Mr.,8656915540,jeff@enernex.com,Thomas E. McDermott,Dr.,8656915540,tom@enernex.com,"Many good load-estimation algorithms for the electricity distribution system have arisen from research activities, but they often are difficult for utilities to implement. This project will develop a customizable load estimation system, using OSIsoft's Historian with extensions to the IEEE Power Quality Data Interchange Format (PQDIF) standard, to collect and manage the data. In Phase I, the OSIsoft RtAnalytics package and the MathWorks Matlab product will be used to develop customizable algorithms for load modeling, estimation, and forecasting. The PQDIF will be enhanced to support the data necessary for load modeling. Host utilities and candidate algorithms will be identified for Phase II implementation. The end result will be a load estimation toolbox that is suitable for large-scale applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Using the load estimation toolbox, researchers from universities or industry should be able to develop new modules as either OSIsoft or MatLab add-ons. Utilities that already use the OSIsoft platform, which amounts to 50-75% of the U.S. market, should find these modules easy to adopt and customize."
SBIR Phase I: Electrode Material Development for SuperCapacitor,0611219,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Jayesh Doshi,Dr,4232676266,jdoshi@espintechnologies.com,Michael Mainz,Mr,4232676266,mmainz@espintechnologies.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project intends to develop low cost activated carbon nanofiber based ultracapacitor electrode material with ability to store large energy and power density. Polymer precursor nanofibers from polyacrylonitrile, pitch, phenolic, and lignin will be produced using an electrospinning process. These nanofibers will be converted to activated carbon nanofiber with surface area in excess of 3 to 5 times more than the conventional electrode material used in supercapacitors. The nanofiber architecture will be tailored to achieve the desired power and energy performance by varying pore structure, electrode thickness, surface area, and other product properties. Supercapcitors are candidates for many applications including electric vehicles, consumer and industrial electronics and power tools, power management, etc. Successful development of low cost carbon electrode material will allow supercapacitor material manufacturer to produce these devices at relatively low cost and will have broad effect on overall market in terms of cost and economics."
Mouse Transcriptomic Fingerprints as Biomarkers for Chronic Alcohol Abuse,1R44AA016225-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,"GENOME EXPLORATION, INC.","GENOME EXPLORATION, INC.",654 JEFFERSON AVE,MEMPHIS,TN,38105 5003,No,Yes,No,,,9015785708,,Divyen H. Patel,,9015785708,DPATEL@GENOME-EXPLORATIONS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Alcohol abuse and its medical consequences have a significant negative impact on society, the economy and our health. Currently, however, no clinically available laboratory test can reliably diagnose excessive alcohol use throughout the population or predict the progression of alcohol-induced organ damage. NIAAA has therefore deemed it important to identify more sensitive and informative new biomarkers for chronic alcohol use and alcohol-induced organ damage to facilitate earlier diagnosis and detection of pathologies caused by problematic drinking. Genome Explorations Inc. (GenEx) proposes to use a mouse model system to identify gene expression profiles or ""transcriptomic fingerprints"" in blood cells that act as sensitive and specific indicators of chronic alcohol use and alcohol-induced liver damage. In Phase I of this SBIR application, GenEx will: 1) Develop and apply an experimental treatment for chronic ethanol abuse and alcoholic liver disease using inbred mouse strains commonly used in alcohol and toxicology research; 2) Generate transcriptome data sets for peripheral blood leukocytes from the treated mice using the Affymetrix platform and GeneChip Mouse 430 2.0 microarrays; and 3) Perform advanced data analysis to determine if gene expression profiles (transcriptomic fingerprints) can be identified as specific biomarkers for chronic ethanol exposure and/or the onset of ethanol-induced liver damage. In Phase II, GenEx will expand this analysis to other common inbred mouse strains and across a large genetic reference panel of BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains. Use of these additional strains will provide much greater analytical precision and help to refine potential fingerprints by reducing strain-specific effects. The use of BXD strains will also enable validation of the results by genetic correlational analysis using GenExQTL, a powerful new correlational database developed specifically for NIAAA. The development of transcriptomic biomarkers in these genetically defined mouse strains would provide a powerful tool for alcohol-related research and facilitate the development of new and more effective clinical biomarkers in people."
Integration of Advanced Inductive Signature Vehicle Detectors with an Advanced Transportation Controller running under the Real Time Linux Operating System,DTRT5706C10010,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2006,1,95442.00,Inductive Signature Technologies Inc.,608 South Gay Street,suite 210,Knoxville,TN,37902 0163,No,No,No,Steven Hilliard,President,8656739434,,Steven Hilliard,VP Chief Technology Officer,8656739434,,"We propose to determine what outputs from the SSAJ measurement system would be suitable for traffic control applications, to determine what the ""real time"" needs and accuracies are for measurements of signature, speed, acceleration, and jerk (SSAJ), to integrate the output of our IST-222 Standard Signature Output Card with and Advanced Transportation Contorller (ATC) and finally to demonstrate prototype software and hardware embodying a simplified version of a functional SSAJ measurement system. We will examine ways for the SSAJ measurement system to communicate with the ATC via the serial communications bus, ATC Ethernet, and the NTCIP 1211 protocol, and we will supplement the Application Programmer's Interface (API) of the Real Time Linux Operating System (RTLOS) of the ATC as needed to integrate the plural outputs of our advanced inductive signature vehicle detector(s) into the data stream that is available for advanced real time traffic logic-based applications running on the ATC."
Requirements-Based Cost Models,FA8650-06-M-5709,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2006,1,99823.00,INRAD,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Mary A. Merrell,"VP, Chief Information Officer",8659274134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,Mary A. Merrell,"VP, Chief Information Officer",8659274134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,"Accurate projection of costs remains an intractable problem in the defense industry despite more than a decade of focus on affordability. The impact to DoD acquisition programs, from cost escalation and the cost of countering capability shortfalls, runs to billions of dollars annually. The objective of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate an ontology-based framework for requirements-based cost modeling. On-tologies offer a unique capability to manage the large knowledge bases and rule sets essential to understanding cost relationships in complex systems. InRAD's innovative approach uses a systems concept where domain-specific, plug-in compatible ontologies are populated with relevant knowledge for the products, processes, materials, and functions that must be considered in cost model. Product require-ments, captured using SLATE, DOORS, or similar tools, will be used to create a requirements-based life-cycle cost modeling framework structured to align with the ontology set. The resulting capability will enable engineering and production staff to draw on a far larger base of knowledge in projecting costs; re-fine estimates faster and with greater precision; better account for uncertainties and risks; and recalculate ""on the fly"" when requirements change or are traded off to define the optimal balance of cost and per-formance."
SBIR Phase I: Technology Assessment and Readiness Analysis System,0611233,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2006,1,99904.00,INRAD,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Mary A. Merrell,Ms,8659274134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,Mary A. Merrell,Ms,8659274134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,"The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Technology Assessment and Readiness Analysis System (TARAS), an intelligent inference toolset that utilizes novel semantic-based information technologies to link information from disparate sources. The information will be analyzed to identify expertise and core competencies of individuals and manufacturing enterprises in order to provide technology planners and researchers a full visibility of potential resources and expertise. Technology managers and others in the research and development community will benefit from this decision making support system through greater visibility of potential solutions and the identification of optimum strategies to meet their organization's technology requirements. This project will develop a prototype decision making toolset to create a more complete view of potential solutions, collaborative opportunities, and expertise than is currently provided by available information resources. Current information resources typically focus on general directory and product-centered information. However, linking personnel, facility, product, and capability data in order to create a composite profile that can be used to locate expertise would provide an important view. This project will also pilot the automated assignment of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to provide additional information as to the maturity level of technology solutions."
OptiPush Wheelchair Training System,1R43HD052311-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,99981.00,MAX MOBILITY,5425 Mount View Parkway,,ANTIOCH,TN,37013-3149,No,No,No,,,6158376947,,W. M. Richter,,6158376947,MARK@MAX-MOBILITY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Wheelchair users are over twice as likely to be obese as people in the general population. The solution to obesity in the wheelchair user population is the same as it is in the general population, a healthy diet and regular exercise. The limited availability of wheelchair accessible cardiovascular exercise equipment may be contributing to lack of regular exercise in this population. Obesity among wheelchair users has led to secondary conditions such as heart disease and upper extremity (UE) pain and injury. Over half of the wheelchair user population has developed UE pain and injury. Body weight has been found to be a predictor of UE injury, with heavier users being more prone to injury. In addition to losing weight, training users such that they develop the strength and skills to push with less frequent, long smooth strokes is currently recommended to help protect them from developing injuries. The OptiPush Wheelchair Training System (WTS) is a unique and targeted response to the problem of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and UE injuries in the manual wheelchair user population. The OptiPush WTS is a wheelchair-accessible treadmill training system that allows the user to improve cardiovascular fitness, exercise capacity, strength and propulsion technique. The key to the OptiPush WTS is a smart tether system that dynamically links the wheelchair to the front of the treadmill to monitor propulsion technique, provide propulsion assistance and ensure the safety of the user on the treadmill. Propulsion assistance options will allow the user to build up the strength and skills necessary to effectively push uphill. The goals of the pilot project are to develop an OptiPush WTS prototype and evaluate its effect on a group of wheelchair users over a 4-week propulsion-training period. Pre- and post-training evaluations will include exercise capacity, propulsion strength, propulsion efficiency and propulsion biomechanics testing."
ErgoChair Smart Manual Wheelchair,1R44HD054401-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,183751.00,MAX MOBILITY,5425 Mount View Parkway,,ANTIOCH,TN,37013-3149,No,No,No,,,6158376947,,W. M. Richter,,6158376947,MARK@MAX-MOBILITY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The PVA clinical practice guidelines for preserving upper limb function following spinal cord injury recommends that wheelchair users minimize the force required to complete upper limb tasks, avoid positioning the hand above the shoulder and avoid extreme positions of shoulder internal rotation and abduction. There are several aspects of wheelchair use that lead to these conditions. Because wheelchair users are seated, many of the objects they grab or work with are above the level of their shoulder, such as washing dishes or getting items off the grocery store shelf. Some powered wheelchairs have an electric seat elevator that can be used to raise the wheelchair user up. However, there are no manual wheelchairs that offer a seat-elevating feature. Transfers to and from the wheelchair commonly lead to an internally- rotated and abducted shoulder that is supporting a large percentage of the user's body weight. Transfer boards can be used to dramatically reduce physical demand during transfers. However, transfer boards are not very portable, so they are not typically carried on the wheelchair. As a result, transfer boards are not always available when the user needs one. The ErgoChair Smart Manual Wheelchair is a solution to the problem of poor shoulder ergonomics during lifting tasks and transfers. The ErgoChair allows the seat height of a manual wheelchair to be set by the user much like setting the height of an office chair. In addition, there is a lightweight transfer board stowed under the seat. Users can create preset seat heights, allowing them to quickly set the seat to exactly where they want it. This project will involve: 1) developing a proof-of concept prototype and evaluating its effectiveness, 2) refining the design based on focus group feedback and engineering exploration and 3) quantifying the ergonomic benefits of the ErgoChair through a repeated measures biomechanical study. As a result of this project, wheelchair users will be able to dramatically reduce physical demand on their upper limbs during everyday tasks. ErgoChair Smart Manual Wheelchair Relevance to Public Health Manual wheelchair users are at considerable risk of developing upper limb overuse injuries. One preventative measure is to reduce physical demand during wheelchair use. This project will develop innovative technology that will dramatically improve the ergonomics of wheelchair transfers and lifting tasks."
Wound Healing Properties of a Non-Irritating Novel 9-cis Retinoid Acid Derivative,1R43GM077724-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,William Purcell,,9015291919,PURCELL@MOLECULARDESIGN.COM,William P. Purcell,,9014540797,purcell@moleculardesign.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): MDI 301 is a synthetic retinoid that is similar to all-trans retinoic acid (RA) in its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and inhibit the major collagen-degrading enzymes in skin. A major feature that distinguishes MDI 301 from RA is its lack of irritation when applied topically to skin. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that topical treatment of diabetic rats with RA improves the healing of subsequently-induced abrasion wounds. Based on this, we have proposed the prophylactic use of RA as a way to improve structure/function in diabetic skin at risk for ulcer formation. A potential drawback to this strategy is skin irritation. If retinoid use in diabetic skin provokes irritation, this could result in non-use (as is does in other groups of retinoid users). Additionally, if the degree of irritation is too great, the irritation could counter-act the beneficial effects of retinoid treatment in the at-risk skin. The overall goal of the proposed studies is to determine if topical pretreatment of skin with MDI 301 will, like RA itself, improve healing of subsequently-induced wounds but do so without provoking irritation. If it can be shown that MDI 301 is as effective as RA without the negative consequence seen with RA use, it will provide a better agent for development as a chronic wound preventative. To achieve our overall goal, we will compare the effects of topical MDI 301 treatment with topical RA on dermal structure/function in streptozotocin diabetic (STZ-D) rats and compare healing of abrasion wounds in control rats, STZ-D rats and STZ-D rats that have been pretreated with topical RA or topical MDI 301."
High Power 95 GHz Gyro-Devices with Permanent or Conventional Solenoid Magnets,N65538-07-M-0024,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2006,1,69994.00,MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGY,420 Red Hill Rd.,,Normandy,TN,37360 9715,No,No,No,Larry R. Barnett,owner,9312127349,lbarnett@cafes.net,Larry R. Barnett,owner,9312127349,lbarnett@cafes.net,"W-Band cyclotron harmonic gyrotron devices at 95 GHz will be investigated as potential compact and field deployable sources of high power microwaves for Area Denial Technology applications. Oscillators operating on the 2nd to the 8th cyclotron harmonics will be investigated. These gyrotron studies will be aimed at the design and engineering evaluations of harmonic devices in the 30 to 300 kW output power range where overall system efficiencies, reduced system sizes, fast system start-ups, and low to zero standby powers, are of paramount importance. It is anticipated that low harmonic devices with electron beams of the order of 50 kV to 100 kV that will attain >100 kW CW, or average, output power at high efficiency will receive the bulk of the theoretical attention. Devices with both normal and permanent magnets will be investigated and one or more complete designs, including magnets, will be accomplished."
Rapid Microfluidic Production of PET Biomarkers,DE-FG02-05ER84290,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,2,749250.00,"Nanotek, LLC",217 FenceRail Gap,,Walland,TN,37886 0251,Yes,No,No,Joseph C. Matteo,Mr.,8658062059,jmatteo@nanotek1.com,Joseph C. Matteo,Mr.,8658062059,jmatteo@nanotek1.com,"Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a valuable non-invasive imaging tool for the diagnosis and follow up of such diseases as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer¿s. The DOE has identified a need for novel probes and radiolabeled compounds for PET, along with advanced methods to deliver them. Short-lived radioactive tags such as [18F] fluoride ion and [11C] carbon can be attached to molecules or chemical biomarkers prior to injection into patients or small animals, and then imaged at various stages of biodistribution. For example, [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose has been used to monitor glucose metabolism in the body. Other more specific biomarkers ¿ e.g., [18F] fluoromisonidazole, a marker for hypoxia, and [18F] fluorothymidine, a marker of proliferation ¿ have been developed, but have been extremely difficult to bring to market. Much of the problem is that these specialized biomarkers are difficult to synthesize, often have poor yields, and require expensive precursors. This project will develop a microfluidic platform to synthesize PET biomarkers. The technology will reduce processing times and reagent usage by a factor of 30 to 100. In Phase I, small, low cost, modular microreactor cartridges were developed and used routinely to synthesize a host of PET biomarkers, each with better yields than conventional chemistry and each within 1 to 2 minutes. Phase II will develop processes to enable complex multi-step microfluidic synthesis with intermediate purification, multiple organic solvents, and micro- purification of the final product. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The rapid biomarker production technology should reduce production time, reagent consumption, and manpower requirements. Commercial applications exist in clinical, pre-clinical, and drug discovery markets"
SBIR Phase II: Fast Remote X-ray Screening,0620369,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2006,2,500000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,Edward J. Sommer,Dr,6157346400,ejcommers@nrt-inc.com,Edward J. Sommer,Dr,6157376400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"This SBIR Phase II project will provide development of a new homeland security technology for improving security for crowded venues by integrating a new networked security screening technology and new electronics communications with materials handling automation and computerized process control. New approaches and technologies are needed to provide effective security screening for places having high passenger and high pedestrian traffic. A primary need is to be able to screen persons and their carried items at significantly higher processing rates from those achieved using conventional security checkpoints while maintaining a smooth flow of people through the system. The Phase I project demonstrated technical feasibility. Phase II will complete development of the new high flow security screening system and design, construct, and test a near commercial scale prototype system. It is planned that the prototype system will be tested and evaluated by a TSA-approved, independent third party. Upon successful testing the system will be ready for deployment. The U.S. transportation industry needs fast effective improvements in its security systems. Improved security technologies for use in transit systems can be applied to many other segments of society as well. In today's world it is vital that our nation's citizenry, transportation systems, institutions, and economy have the best protection possible from those who seek to weaken and destroy our society. The proposed technology will provide smooth flow of people and items through a fast and effective security inspection station with greater than an order of magnitude increase in processing rates compared to current technologies. The new technology will provide a significantly higher level of protection to persons in busy and crowded areas against attacks by terrorists using weapons or explosives than is currently available. Similarly, security at federal buildings, government installations, maritime ports, shippers, mailrooms, and other sensitive locations can be improved by the proposed technology that will allow for a faster and less impeded flow of persons and packages through the security inspection process."
Development of High Speed Multispectral Imaging for Sorting Automotive Plastics,DE-FG02-06ER84559,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,Edward J. Sommer,Dr.,6157346400,ejsommer@nrtsorters.com,Edward J. Sommer,Dr.,6157346400,ejsommer@nrtsorters.com,"The recycling of materials has taken on increased importance in recent years, as society strives to conserve our nation¿s resources and improve the efficiency of energy useage. With respect to automobiles, about 15 million vehicles annually are discarded and processed through shredding by recycling companies for extraction of recyclable materials. Today, almost all metals are recycled. However, most non-metallic components, approximately 25% of the vehicle¿s weight, are not recycled and are landfilled. Because manufacturers are increasing the use of lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency, technologies are needed to enable the recycling of these materials, especially automobile plastics. This project will develop a high-speed, electronic detection and sorting technology to identify durable automobile plastics as they flow in bulk quantities on a conveying system and to sort these plastics into marketable polymer fractions. This detection and sorting system will be applied to the recovery and recycling of automotive plastics derived from end-of-life automobile shredder plants. Phase I will assess the feasibility of constructing a high speed multispectral imaging system, which can be integrated with a materials sorting system, for the automated identification and sorting of polymers within a mixed-polymer stream of automotive plastic samples. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should enable an increased ability to recycle used automotive plastics, thereby conserving energy, conserving increasingly limited resources, and reducing the flow of materials to landfills. Additionally, the technology should find use in other applications, such as the recycling of electronic waste."
Identification and Sorting of Printed Wiring Boards (PWB) Within an E-Waste Recycling Stream,EP-D-06-081,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2006,2,344985.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrtsorters.com,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrtsorters.com,"Electoronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide. Improper handling of e-waste results in vast amounts of toxic waste being sent to landfill and leaching into the water supply. Due to these concerns e-waste recycling is a rapidly growing industry. Unfortunately, most current e-waste recycling processes rely on either manual hand sorting or differental density sorting methods. Manual hand sorting is expensive in the U.S. and has been associated with major environmental damage overseas. Differential density sorting is expensive and is not very effective for sorting e-waste plastics by polymer type. Developing plastics sorting technologies are incompatible with differential density sorting technology. When properly sorted there are a significant amount of valuable recyclable materials in e-waste. Recycling rates for e-waste are currently low in part because e-waste recyclers charge a fee for recycling in order to make a profit. Legislative action in many states may increase this rate, but the long term viabilty of e-waste recycling depends upon economical approaches to recovering these valuable materials. The objective of this proposed Phase I research is to determine the feasibility for developing a high speed automated sorting system for sorting printed wiring boards (PWB) from e-waste plastics. This automated sorting system would allow recyclers of e-wastes to more efficiently process these PWBs and to obtian a pure plastics steam which could then be more efficiently sorted into pure polymer streams which can then be sold for a premium to plastics manufactures. A significant increase in the anticipated amount of e-waste has been observed over the last few years and is expectd to continue as the time between introduction and obsolescence becomes continually smaller. Because most electronic devices contain a significant number of plastic parts and PWBs, separation and recovery of these materials is crucial for the long-term viability of environmentally friendly recyclig of e-wastes. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of Phase I and Phase II research that the application of the technology will improve the costs of recycling e-wastes, improving the rate at which e-wastes are recycled. The proposing firm is a major manufacturer of recycling equipment for the post-consumer plastics recycling industry and has recived considerable interest in the development of a sorting system for sorting printed wiring boad materials from e-waste plastics. Due to this interest the proposed technology is expected to have a strong market in the e-wate recycling industry."
Gamma-Free Neutron Detector Based upon Lithium Phosphate Nanoparticles,DE-FG02-06ER84637,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,99942.00,"Neutron Sciences, Inc.",1256 Lovell View Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932 0259,No,No,No,Marie Allison,Ms.,8657770273,info@neutronsciences.com,Steven A. Wallace,Mr.,8657770273,swallace@neutronsciences.com,"A gamma-free neutron-sensitive scintillator is needed to enhance radiation sensing and detection for nonproliferation applications. Such a scintillator would allow very large detectors to be placed at the perimeter of spent-fuel storage facilities at commercial power plants, so that any movement of spontaneously emitted neutrons from spent nuclear fuel or weapons grade plutonium will be noted in real-time. The material must have an efficiency greater than that presently available using scintillating glass fibers and helium-3 tubes, but the most important need is for a detector material that is totally free of gamma interference. This project will develop technology for manufacturing large panels of fluor-doped plastic containing lithium-6 phosphate nanoparticles. In order to detect neutrons, the nanoparticles must be sufficiently small so that the plastic remains transparent. In this way, the triton and alpha particles generated by the capture of the neutron will result in a photon burst that can be coupled to a wavelength shifting (WLS) fiber, producing an optical signal of about ten nanoseconds at the face of a multianode photomultiplier. In Phase I, a patent-pending process for manufacturing the lithium-6 phosphate nanoparticles will be characterized, and the feasibility of embedding the nanoparticles in a plastic scintillator material will be determined. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The lithiated plastic should find application to the Linac-based x-ray systems being used at ports of entry for the imaging of cargo located in sea-land containers. The plastic detectors would enable a real-time determination as to whether a container has any fissile material hidden within high density material."
Open Architecture Image-Guided Therapy Software System,4R44CA115263-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,2,1379325.00,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,2969 ARMORY DR.,NASHVILLE,TN,37204,No,No,No,,,6157830094,,James D. Stefansic,,6157830094,jds@2pti.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): One of the important developments in disease treatment over the past decade has been the development of image-guided procedures. The rise of such systems has also been associated with a contraction of the market with a few companies becoming the dominant players in the field. In such a contracted commercial state, the field does not rapidly expand but rather has to wait for the large corporations see enough potential profit in new applications to innovate. One of the barriers to new innovation is the complexity of the imageguided procedure task, requiring understanding of three dimensional tracking systems, image to physical space registration techniques, display methodologies, graphic techniques, data IO and methods of using intraoperative data to correct preoperative assumptions or to deal with temporal changes. In this proposal we propose to create an open architecture/closed source system for image-guide procedures. Such a system would allow organizations, technology companies and other more agile innovators to prototype new systems without having to expend considerable effort outside of their expertise. It would also provide a common platform allowing consortia of organizations (academic, research and commercial) to coalesce on new applications bringing new therapeutic techniques to the market more quickly."
Commercialization of Image-Guided Liver Surgery,1R44CA119502-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,149102.00,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,2969 ARMORY DR.,NASHVILLE,TN,37204,No,No,No,Craig Staples,,6157830094,CRAIG_STAPLES@PATHFINDERTHERAPEUTICS.COM,James D. Stefansic,,6157830094,jds@2pti.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): For the past eight years, an image-guided liver surgery system has been developed by engineers and clinicians at several academic institutions, including Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St. Louis. In mid-2004, after initial investigations demonstrated that the system could be used in a clinical setting to more effectively treat liver cancer, Pathfinder Therapeutics, Inc. was founded as a medical device corporation to develop commercial, integrated systems for use in image-guided therapy. The primary focus of the company at this time is to take the image-guided liver surgery technology developed in the academic environment and translate it to a commercial setting where it can be specifically used to perform more efficient, accurate procedures and improve patient outcomes. Since its use in neurosurgery over ten years ago, there have always been divergent views of whether image-guided surgery has a place in a particular surgical field until the technology is proven to be effective. In order to successfully market and develop a profitable image-guided liver surgery product, we must convince surgeons that this should be the standard of care in treating several forms of liver cancer. The Phase I portion of this fast-track SBIR details the technical steps that must be completed to create a commercial-quality prototype system that can be replicated for distribution and used in an efficacy clinical trial. The clinical trial detailed in the Phase II portion will demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of image-guidance in treating liver cancer. Our trial will focus on demonstrating improvement in several factors that lead to hepatic failure, including increased residual functional liver volume following tumor resection and decreased patient time spent in the operating room. Through this investigation, we will show that image-guided liver surgery should be the standard of care for liver resection procedures. This claim will allow us to successfully commercialize image-guided liver surgery."
Segmentation of the Outer Contact on P-Type Coaxial Germanium Detectors,DE-FG02-05ER84157,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,2,749000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan Pehl,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan L. Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"Segmented germanium detector arrays are needed by the DOE for the characterization of low-level radioactive samples. In addition, the same detector arrays could perform important fundamental physics measurements, including the search for rare-events like neutrinoless double-beta decay. However, because of their complexity, these segmented coaxial detectors are expensive and available only after relatively long lead times. Improved fabrication techniques would greatly reduce costs and improve the availability of these segmented detectors for the low-level counting community. Therefore, this project will experimentally investigate alternative techniques for making segmented contacts on p-type coaxial germanium detectors, which would be a much cheaper alternative to the segmented n-type coaxial detectors currently proposed. However, the difficulties associated with the segmentation of conventional thick lithium-diffused contacts must be addressed. Phase I experimentally evaluated detector fabrication techniques appropriate for segmented p-Â­type coaxial detectors, and a fabrication recipe was established. In Phase II, the viability of alternative segmented detector contacts, as a competitive solution to the contacts established during Phase I, will be established. The best overall technique will be used to fabricate a large segmented p-Â­type coaxial detector as a demonstration. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new germanium detector technology should provide better detector performance at lower cost for the measurement of low-activity radioactive sources. Applications of interest include national security (nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear explosion monitoring), areas of scientific importance (e.g., new levels of sensitivity in the Majorana search for neutrinoless doubleÂ­beta decay), medical imaging, and x-ray detection"
Improving the Radiation Damage Resistance of Germanium Detectors,DE-FG02-06ER84501,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,99999.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan L. Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan L. Hull,Dr.,8654813725,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"Arrays of germanium gamma-ray detectors are used for nuclear physics experiments at DOE particle accelerator facilities. Energetic massive particles from the accelerator degrade the performance of the detectors and ultimately limit their use. This problem pertains to the currently-existing Gammasphere detector array at Argonne National Laboratory as well as to the next generation detector arrays to be instrumented at the Rare Isotope Accelerator. This project will develop detector cooling technology to greatly reduce or eliminate the radiation damage problem. Phase I will identify the coldest detector temperature practically achievable with Stirling-cycle mechanical coolers. Tests will be conducted to identify noise problems that may be introduced by the vibrations of the cooler. If the detector temperature can be made cold enough, without significant noise from the cooler, the colder temperature can greatly reduce or eliminate radiation damage effects in germanium detectors. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: These ultra-cold mechanically-cooled detectors should be more reliable and have better performance for longer time durations in nuclear physics beam line environments. Other potential applications that face radiation damage include satellite-based detectors (from energetic cosmic rays), oil well logging, and neutron activation analysis. Aside from the improvements with respect to radiation damage, this technology eliminates the liquid-nitrogen requirement for large volume germanium detectors, allowing the detectors to be used in a wider range of environments where liquid nitrogen may not be available."
Segmented Monolithic Germanium Detector Arrays for X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy,DE-FG02-06ER84401,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2006,1,99999.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan L. Hull,Dr.,9252459502,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan L. Hull,Dr.,9252459502,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"The DOE operates several synchrotron x-ray-absorbtion-spectroscopy facilities for the study of dilute samples of chemical, biological, condensed matter, and environmental interest. These facilites require advanced semiconductor detectors. This project will develop detector arrays for x-ray absorption spectroscopy, based on germanium technology, which will increase x-ray count rate capability and improve spectral resolution. These improvements will decrease the amount of beam time needed to perform experiments and make a greater number and variety of experiments possible. During Phase I, seven-element monolithic detectors will be fabricated and evaluated. A variety of detectors will be made using different fabrication parameters, and the effect each parameter on detector performance will be determined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to its use in x-ray detectors at DOE facilities, the technology also should improve germanium detectors in such areas as nuclear nonproliferation, medical imaging, low-background counting, and rare-event detection."
Position-sensitive identification and tracking system for neutron-induced detection and location of explosives at large distances POSITRACK,FA9451-06-M-0132,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2006,1,99981.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Paula Pehl,Business Officer,5108453144,paulapehl@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Detector Physicist and Partner,9252459502,ethanhull@phdsco.com,We propose a method of detecting high explosives from large distances using neutron induced gamma-ray detection and imaging. The gamma rays will be detected and imaged using an advanced position-sensitive germanium detector system. The superb position and energy resolution of the detector system coupled with the physics of electron-positron pair production has the sensitivity to locate and identify high explosives at large distances.
Poplar Root System Characterization Studies for Next Generation Root Research,2006-33610-16749,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2006,1,80000.00,PHENOTYPE SCREENING CORP.,10233 CHAPMAN HWY,,Seymour,TN,37865-3045,No,No,No,Daniel W. McDonald,President,8653858641,mcdonalddw@phenotypescreening.com,Daniel W. McDonald,President,8653858641,mcdonalddw@phenotypescreening.com,Root systems are critical to many important tree traits. Characterizing tree roots is difficult because they are hidden underground. This project will use digital x-rays to visualize and characterize tree root systems in order to develop enhanced root systems (and the resulting improved tree traits) in the future.
High Throughput Protein Fractionation and Concentration System for MALDI-MS,1R43RR022662-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,99846.00,"PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.","PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.",418 South Gay Street,KNOXVILLE,TN,37902,No,No,No,Chuck Witkowski,,8655217400,CHUCK@PROTEINDISCOVERY.COM,Dean G. Hafeman,,8659270043,DEAN@PROTEINDISCOVERY.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We describe a novel fractionation and concentration system for high throughput analysis of low abundance polypetides in serum samples by matrix-assisted laser desoption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). We propose to develop this polypeptide analysis system (PPAS) commercially for the rapid and reproducible purification, fractionation and concentration of low abundance polypeptides and low molecular weight proteins from blood serum. The PPAS system consists of a series of thin layers between sample reservoirs and analyte capture sites on hydrophobia capture slides. The polypeptide analytes pass through the thin layers sequentially where separation, fractionation, concentration occur. The fractionated and concentrated polypeptides are captured on the hydrophobic capture slides, each that has a different affinity for hydrophobic polypeptides. Following analyte capture, the slides can be washed free of interfering salts or other molecules that may suppress MALDI ionization of the analytes in a mass spectrometer. In the analysis step, a MALDI matix soluiton is applied directly to the samples on the capture slides and the slides are inserted directly in a MALDI-mass spectrometer for high throughput analysis of the relative abundance of polypeptides of molecular weights from 1000 to 30,000 Daltons. A separation layer prior to the fractionation/capture slides is used to remove high-abundance proteins from the polypeptides prior to their fractionantion and capture. Polypeptides are driven through the separation and fractionation/capture layers by native protein electrophoresis, according to the native charge on the proteins at any selected pH of the sample. This mode of separation allows additional fractionation according to polypeptide isoelectric point. Concentration of analytes is achieved by providing for electrophoretically focusing the polypeptides into a small capture area on the fractionion/capture slides. Phase 1 of this research project includes testing, optimization and validation of a improved fractionation system in the PPAS for analysis of polypeptides in human serum. Subsequently Phase II of this research project would entail the design and construction of a beta prototype leading to commercialization of the system."
Bioluminscence Assay for Gene Expression Analysis,1R43GM080037-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,100000.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Val Golovlev,,8656712166,golovlev@scien-tec.com,Val V. Golovlev,,8656712166,golovlev@tds.net,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a new highly sensitive and cost effective Reverse Transcription Quantitative Bioluminescence Assay (RT-qBLA) for high-throughput detection and quantification of large (mRNA) and small (microRNA) RNAs in diverse biological samples. The RT-qBLA implements the same detection concept known from pyrosequencing, yet expanding pyrosequencing detection methodology for highly sensitive and accurate quantification of RNA molecules for gene expression analysis. The proposed assay can successfully challenge the real time quantitative RT-PCR technique (RT-qPCR) in many applications and can be superior to RT-qPCR particularly for the analysis of small RNA molecules. The RT-qBLA is requiring less expensive reagents and equipment and can be used in a number of commercial assays for application in life sciences research, drug discovery, clinical diagnosis, environmental analysis, and biodefense. The goal of this project is to develop a new high performance cost effective bioluminescence assay for gene expression analysis. The proposed assay provides technologically advanced and significantly less expensive alternative for real time polymerase chain reaction technology, which currently dominates in the market. The proposed bioluminescent assay is universal and can be used in various applications in life science research, drug discovery, clinical diagnosis and biodefense in more than 1,800 clinical laboratories and thousands of life science research laboratories in US."
Innovative Implantable Telemetric Ethanol Biosensor,1R43AA015868-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2006,1,400000.00,"TELESENSORS, INC.",11020 SOLWAY SCHOOL RD,STE 112,KNOXVILLE,TN,37931-0205,No,No,No,,,8659274911,,Rubye Farahi,,8659274911,r.farahi@telesensors.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Innovative technologies for sensitive and selective monitoring of alcohol and its metabolites in humans are of continuing importance to the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA). Although there has been progress in developing real-time, remote sensors and systems in recent years, the performance of these systems is generally insufficient for demanding applications requiring miniaturized continuous monitoring of body functions (e.g. temperature, heart rate, etc.) along with alcohol and other possible chemical constituents while being unconstrained by conventional monitoring devices. Telesensors Inc. proposes to design, develop, fabricate, test and commercialize a miniaturized, implantable telemetric system for transducing alcohol concentrations and body temperatures in subcutaneous tissue. This system will include onboard data collection and analysis and periodic telemetric reporting of the data to a remote base station for storage and further analysis. The combination of multi-channel sensing and data collection capacity, implantability, micro-miniature size, and physiological calibration, all supported by signal processing software that tailors the measurements made to an individual's pharmacokinetics, best represents the state-of-the-art in bio-medical research sought by NIAAA. The proposed system will promote both research and clinical applications. In particular, the variety of biological signals that future researchers could choose as targets for exploiting unused data collection channels built into the. proposed system
promises the opportunity to track the progression of nearly any phase of alcohol related illness. As far as is known, the approach we propose offers the only system for direct, continuous, measurement of alcohol concentrations."
"MEMS Multi-Mode, Multi-Parameter Shipping Container Sensors",W31P4Q-06-C-0136,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2006,2,499853.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W. Workman,Director of Operations,8655319150,tti@TeslaTechInc.com,William Lawrence,Senior Scientist,8655319150,tti@TeslaTechInc.com,A traditional solution for critical
Real-Time Management of Turbine Engine Usage Data,FA8650-06-C-2619,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2006,2,748976.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Mgr Technology,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"This SBIR program will develop a novel software methodology for the management of gas turbine usage data in real time for accurate prediction of engine life. The approach will be flexible enough to allow for re-assessment of life consumption when subsequent knowledge provides a revised understanding of the way the damage is accrued. Phase II will further investigate potential data compression methods as well as their overall effect in assessing turbine engine health. A key Phase II task will be to identify an approach for signal processing or data compression without any negative effects on life prediction. Although data compression experts can be found throughout industry, the VEXTEC Team are renowned turbine engine lifing and fatigue experts. The Phase II effort will further develop these techniques and demonstrate how data flows from the raw signal to a processed and compressed format."
Vehicle Enterprise Computational Reliability Software (ECRS),W56HZV-06-C-0585,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2006,2,729939.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,President,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,CPDO,6153720299,adey@vextec.com,"As the Army's current fielded ground combat and combat support systems continue to age, there are increasing performance and reliability issues being encountered by our troops. Vehicles and equipment once designed using the best practices available at the time, can now be better engineered through state-of-the-art computational processing through coupling of engineering, business and maintenance systems. The proposed solution is the development of Enterprise Computational Reliability Software (ERCS) as a revolutionary new business process within the Army and its industrial base that will enable improved readiness forecasting, accelerated product development, and enable a new acquisition mindset for considering reliability forecasts as well as cost bids in vendor selection. Within the conventional engineering environment, the product designer selects the individual components that make up the product system. ERCS accesses component variability information from connected databases and performs many virtual representations of product functioning even considering sales schedules, maintenance strategies and varying usage scenarios. The results are viewed at the design level so that engineering and cost trade studies can be performed before final design while prime contractor and Army leadership monitor design progress to ensure that all objectives are met."
Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Structural Analysis Methods for Gas Turbine Engine Metallic Components and Component Assemblies,FA8650-06-M-5230,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2006,1,99992.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Mgr Technology,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"Air Force engines are required to satisfy both safe-life and fatigue crack growth (damage tolerant) design criteria under the engine structural integrity program (ENSIP). To achieve this requirement, nondestructive inspection techniques are used to detect cracks that can potentially grow to failure within the next inspection interval. However, these nondestructive inspections cannot be performed on wing and require a complete disassembly. Hence, the current life management approach is time consuming and expensive. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility for a three-dimensional nonlinear analysis method for advanced engine prognosis. The proposed methodology will include three dimensional crack growth in components and assemblies of components, non-linear material behavior, surface-treatment induced residual stress effects, and complex mission loading, coupled with detectable sensor parameters. The computational methods will be consistent with a probabilistic prognosis system and the design system developed for JSF. The approach will use engine sensor data acquired by the engine control and incorporate an analytical transfer function to obtain the instantaneous damage state. The resulting damage state will then be used to derive the remaining component durability."
Plasma Limiter: RF Mitigation Device for Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems,N00178-05-C-3049,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,2,596694.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Louie C. Elliott,Principal Investigator,4238944646,lelliott@accurate-automation.com,"The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive, high-power, short pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices that produce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such disruption is greater than ever. The primary objective of the proposed Phase II program is the development of a S-band plasma limiter to protect RF electronics, specifically within radars and electronic warfare systems. The S-band plasma limiter has target specifications of 10kW power handling, "
Plasma Limiter: RF Mitigation Device for Operation in Stressing Environments,W9113M-05-C-0172,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2005,2,749948.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,rmp7001@accurate-automation.com,Louie C. Elliott,Principal Investigator,4238944646,lelliott@accurate-automation.com,"The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive, high-power, short pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices that produce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such disruption is greater than ever. The primary objective of the proposed Phase I program is the development of a microstrip plasma limiter to protect phased array antennas with hybrid microwave integrated circuitry (HMIC). The microstrip plasma limiter has target specifications of 10kW power handling, "
Organic USV Seaway Navigation System,N00014-05-C-0122,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,2,749982.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba L. Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick J. Cox,President,4238944646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation's main objective of the SENTINEL SYSTEM is to provide a 24/7 presence on the water without putting valuable human resources in harm's way. Capable of being controlled remotely or configured for autonomous operation, the SENTINEL SYSTEM is an attractive solution to a range of marine applications.
The SENTINEL can interdict threats in the maritime and littoral environments. A secondary application is the patrol of inland waterways. The U.S. Navy cannot provide adequate security for all the waterways of Iraq. Similarly, the Coast Guard cannot provide adequate security for all the dams, bridges, and power plants on the inland and coastal waterways of the U.S. without support. A SENTINEL USV can cruise near the shore or on lakes and rivers, watching for suspicious activity. Cameras, radar, sonar, and microphones can act as the operator's surrogate eyes and ears. Ship, boat, and barge traffic can be monitored and inspected. Dams and bridges can be inspected and protected. Plant intakes and outflows can be monitored and cleared. Suspicious activity can be identified. A SENTINEL USV can be the incident first responder to support an initial assessment of the situation with imagery and with air and water sampling."
Autonomous Operation of UAVs from USVs,N65538-05-M-0127,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,1,69991.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba L. Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick J. Cox,Principal Investigator,4238944646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will address the integral operation of a USV with multiple UAVs. Such a system leverages the advantages of both platforms while compensating for the limitations of each. The USV provides range and endurance, deploying the UAVs across a long distance or after long periods on station. The USV also provides sensor coverage of the underwater environment, of which a UAV has a limited view. The UAVs extend the USV's sight over the horizon and provide additional communications range. AAC has outlined an innovative concept for stowing, launching, recovering, refueling, and then relaunching or restowing, multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). This concept is identified as the Automated Launch and Recovery System (ALaRS) and it is based upon an Autonomous Ball Catch (ABC)."
Design and Construction of a High Field Hybrid-Asymmetric Superconducting Magnet System for Neutron Scattering,DE-FG02-05ER84219,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2005,1,77049.00,"American Magnetics, Inc.",112 Flint Road,P.O. Box 2509,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0250,No,No,No,Roger M. Efferson,Mr.,8654821056,roger@americanmagnetics.com,Paul Arakawa,Mr.,8654821056,roger@americamagnetics.com,"79359S05 There is an urgent need at neutron user-facilities worldwide to eliminate problems caused by magnetic stray fields from high-field, split-pair superconducting magnets. There is also a growing demand within the neutron scattering community for high-field, split-pair magnets that can be used for polarized beam experiments without sacrificing field strength or field uniformity. None of the currently available high-field, split-pair magnets address all of these needs. This project will develop a novel ¿hybrid asymmetric¿ magnet concept that produces maximum field strength with an appropriate asymmetric field profile, maintains high uniformity within a relatively large sample volume, and incorporates self-shielding as an integral part of the system concept. The system will produce a uniform 10 to 15 Tesla vertical field at the sample position, with drastically reduced stray fields, and a field profile suitable for polarized and unpolarized neutron works. In Phase I, an analysis will be performed to provide a series of self-shielded high-field split-pair magnet designs. The designs will be evaluated to determine the impact on polarized and unpolarized neutron operations and the sample environment requirements, based on the needs of the neutron scattering community. A prototype 10 to15 Tesla, self-shielded hybrid-asymmetric magnet, with adequate bore and transverse aperture, will be produced. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The unique aperture requirements for neutron scattering make passive shielding with iron impractical, yet no neutron facility in the world features an actively-shielded or self-shielded magnet. Therefore, a versatile high-field, self-shielded magnet should be in great demand as existing neutron facilities are upgraded in the future. The technology also should benefit other applications in high energy physics that use high field superconducting magnets."
Gene Expression and Diagnosis of Diabetes,2R42DK065388-02,HHS,HHS,STTR,2005,2,917003.00,"ARTHROCHIP, LLC","ARTHROCHIP, LLC",117 BROMLEY PARK LN,FRANKLIN,TN,37069,No,No,No,,,6153434208,,Thomas M. Aune,,6153437485,thomas.aune@vanderbilt.edu,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Autoimmune diseases are difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be nonspecific. A single test that could readily distinguish between an autoimmune and non-autoimmune disorder would allow physicians to focus efforts on the specific disease that affects the patient. This is critical for diabetes mellitus (DM), which has two subsets, Type I and Type II. The subsets of DM differ in pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis. Using microarray technology, we have compared differences in gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among patients with autoimmunity, including type I DM, and patients with non-autoimmune Type II DM. In Phase I, we investigated differences in gene expression between the DM types in adults and children. The findings from these studies suggest that we can readily identify subgroups of patients based on the gene expression patterns. The goal of our phase II application is to take these diagnostic tests closer to the marketplace. We have the following four specific aims:
I. We will expand our microarray analysis using a larger cohort of individuals with diabetes from different racial backgrounds (Caucasian, African-American, and Hispanic) and different geographical locations to validate our results and to further test the notion that two classes of type I diabetes exist in the human population.
II. We propose to validate identity of clones that exhibit extremes in hybridization among the control and different disease groups and develop ""mini-microarray"" and quantitative PCR tests that distinguish among the different disease groups.
III. We will test these platforms by analyzing blood samples from a large cohort of control and diabetic individuals.
IV. We will validate the diagnostic test in a cohort of individuals with an initial diagnosis of hyperglycemia.
Long-term goals are to use results from microarray experiments to develop tests that have predictive value for the therapeutic management of individuals with autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases. These include tests that classify diseases, predict severity, and predict optimal therapeutic options."
Demonstration of Augmented UAV Flight Performance Using Nonthermal Plasma Actuators,FA8651-05-C-0116,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,2,749751.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Sharon L. Draper,VP of Finance,8657773776,sdraper@atmosphericglow.com,Alan Wintenberg,Director of Engineering,8657773776,awintenberg@atmosphericglow.com,"An effective surface flow controller for the manipulation of the properties of aerodynamic boundary layers, particularly the resulting body drag and airflow attachment, has been long sought after. The goal has always been a surface airflow controller that is able to manipulate the aerodynamic boundary layer while both saving fuel (reducing power consumption) and improving the aircraft performance (reducing drag and delaying airflow separation). With the addition of a surface flow controller the aircraft could have both a fixed flight performance, due to its physical shape and a dynamic flight performance capability that is adaptive to the flight environment. Electrically generated and controlled plasma has the potential to be used as a flow controller embodying these characteristics that will lead to a practical means of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) shaping of the net aerodynamic flight performance of the aircraft. Atmospheric Glow Technologies (AGT) has successfully demonstrated feasibility of its atmospheric non-thermal glow discharge plasma surface airflow controller based on the proven One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDPTM) and in this Phase II work effort will further develop its flow controller prototypes for incorporation into aircraft for analysis."
New Decontamination for Aircraft Cargo Interior,FA8650-05-C-6534,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,2,749995.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Sharon Draper,"Vice President, Finance",8657773776,sdraper@atmosphericglow.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President,8657773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes to develop the Plasma Agent Neutralization Elimination (PLANE) System based upon its patented One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology. When developed, this advanced design will serve as a system for the decontamination of aircraft and associated cargo. AGT has demonstrated the success of OAUGDP in decontaminating various substrates against biological warfare simulants. Phase II efforts will serve to further develop the system and to extend materials compatibility studies to verify the process does not induce damage to representative materials. Work will also focus on validating the system under different environmental conditions."
Specific Diagnostic for Members of Genus Mycobacterium,1R43AI064969-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2005,1,99998.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Richard A. Hurt,,8654831113,HURT@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A novel microarray-based system is proposed for diagnosis of tuberculosis and tuberculosis-like respiratory infections. This diagnostic system offers a parallel method to screen clinical samples for the presence of DNA sequences from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of human tuberculosis, and closely related mycobacterial species, while simultaneously screening specimens for more distantly related mycobacteria and other common infectious agents known to cause tuberculosis-like symptoms. The system selectively amplifies targeted DNA sequences using repeated rounds of primer-directed extension. Unlike the PCR, this method generates short extension products whose lengths are limited by using one of the building blocks in a form that terminates the extension reaction when it is incorporated. Restricting the extension reaction to the production of short extension products allows screening for many pathogens with a single reaction. The technique is very selective because a signal is produced only when the extension reaction products hybridize to probes immobilized on the microarray. This requires that: 1), the primer binds with a complementary sequence on the targeted DNA, and 2) the resulting short extension sequence is complementary to the probe on the microarray used to detect the extension product. Both of these are very selective processes."
Interactive CD Guide for Food-Borne Fungal Identification,2005-33610-15511,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2005,1,80000.00,"BCN Research Laboratories, Inc.",P. O. Box 50305,,Knoxville,TN,37950,Yes,Yes,No,Emilia Rico,,8655586819,emirico@msn.com,Emilia Rico,,8655586819,emirico@msn.com,"Filamentous microfungi (often colloquially known as ""molds"") are a major cause of food wastage throughout the world, accounting for the loss of about 10% of all food production. Although good textbooks on food mycology are available, a clear need exists for simpler and more visual identification systems. Because of ease of manufacture and use, interactive potential and ability to display color pictures, the CD is the ideal medium for such a system. However nothing of this sort is available. The proposed project aims to produce an interactive CD for the identification of food-borne fungi for use by industry personnel and consulting laboratories. The CD will be aimed not so much at mycologists, but at food bacteriologists, who have excellent training in microbiological techniques, but lack specialist knowledge of food mycology."
Data Analysis Algorithm Suitable for Structural Health Monitoring Based on Dust Network,NNA05BE07C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2005,1,69996.00,"Brilliant Technology, Inc.",1500 Woodward Ct,,Brentwood,TN,37027-8641,No,Yes,No,Kevin Tseng,Business Official,6153008481,KevinTseng@yahoo.com,Kevin Tseng,Principal Investigator,6153008481,KevinTseng@yahoo.com,"This proposed project will attempt to develop a data analysis system for structural health monitoring on space structures. The data analysis software will be a key component in space vehicle health management system and can be used to in vehicle life prediction. The sensor data analysis algorithm is aimed at providing a modeling and simulation tool for data collected from a network of distributed sensors. The sensor network can be implemented via the state-of-the-art technology of distributed wireless dust network. A novel algorithm combining measurement data from the sensors and the analytical model based on the concept of finite element analysis is proposed and the feasibility of the algorithm to detect structural damage will be tested in this project. The project will focus on the impedance-based nondestructive damage evaluation technique. However, the algorithm can be extended to handle other types of sensor data such as acceleration and temperature. The data analysis system can monitor the performance of defective structural component in a space vehicle and issue proper warning for maintenance and repair. If the concept is tested successful, the algorithm can be further developed into a commercial software to be used for the structural integrity monitoring of many engineering applications."
Detection of Termites Using Distributed Wireless Monitoring,2005-33610-15531,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2005,1,79993.00,"Hatchpoint, LLC",P.O. Box 38361,,Germantown,TN,38183,No,No,No,R. S. Luttrell,Chief Executive Officer,9014140120,shane@creare-design.com,R. S. Luttrell,Chief Executive Officer,9014140120,shane@creare-design.com,"While termites inflict almost $4 Billion dollars in damage per year in the United States, termite control still depends upon labor intensive and expensive manual monitoring techniques. This project will determine the feasibility of deploying acoustic sensor arrays that will alert a Pest Management Professional (PMP) of termite activity."
Cryo-Free 7.0T Actively-Shielded ICR Spectromet Magnet,2R44RR019178-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2005,2,443688.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,D. Coffey,,8654829551,MCOFFEY@CRYOMAGNETICS.COM,Earle E. Burkhardt,,8654829551,EARLE@CRYOMAGNETICS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):
The development of a cryogen-free, actively-shielded 7.0 T high resolution superconducting magnet for Ion Cyclotron Resonance Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (ICR-FTMS) will significantly reduce system operating costs, improve operator safety, and simplify operation and maintenance. Bio-scientists and genetic researchers rely more and more on ICR-FTMS. The proposed FTMS actively-shielded magnet system will have many technological merits: ultra high resolution, low system operating costs (no cryogen refilling will be required to operate the system), user-friendliness (using closed cycle refrigeration, CCR, the magnet portion of the spectrometer becomes almost maintenance free), compact size (due to the active shielding, the system can fit into a small laboratory, and the cryostat will be much smaller since no cryogen storage volume is necessary), flexibility and mobility (no cryogen requirement means problems with cryogen access and availability will no longer pose siting limitations)."
Superconducting Developments for Compact Power and Energy Systems,FA8650-05-C-2625,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2005,2,204289.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Michael Coffey,President,8654829551,mcoffey@cryomagnetics.com,Earle Burkhardt,Senior Engineer,8654829551,earle@cryomagnetics.com,"Superconducting coils are capable of storing considerable amounts of energy. Should a coil quench, due to overheating or exceeding the critical field or current, the stored energy in the coil must be dissipated safely - without endangering personnel or damaging the coil or control systems. In any superconducting coil design, it is essential to design and build the system such that limits of the materials involved are not exceeded. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are relatively new to applications in magnets and coils, but are rapidly growing in use. However, not much is known concerning the quench protection design limits of the materials. Thus far, quench protection in HTS coils has been largely overlooked due mainly to the fact that HTS materials have higher heat capacities at their operating points, and are often difficult to quench. Unfortunately this high heat capacity also creates slow thermal propagation velocities that can cause catastrophic damage to the HTS. The technical objectives for Phase II are to model and fabricate test coils to verify simulations, develop a predictable, reproducible quench protection scheme for HTS coils, and design, fabricate and evaluate a full scale HTS magnet for a gyrotron application to confirm the quench protection method."
High Purity Amphotericin B: A Safer Antimycotic in AIDS,1R41AI063935-01A1,HHS,HHS,STTR,2005,1,110644.00,"CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.",CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC.,"2525 WEST END AVE, STE 950",NASHVILLE,TN,37203,No,No,No,Leo pavliv,,6152550068,AKAZIMI@CUMBERLANDPHARMA.COM,John D. Cleary,,6019842639,JCLEARY@MEDICINE.UMSMED.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cumberland Pharmaceuticals and the University of Mississippi Mycotic Research Centers' long-term goal will be to improve anti-fungal pharmacotherapy particularly for patients with human immunodeficiency infections (HIV).
We are jointly developing a high purity amphotericin B (AmB HP) product for intravenous administration. The nominal purity of AmB HP is 95%; excluding surfactant and buffer that are required for formulation. Although in some cases the increase in purity in comparison to current commercial preparations of AmB is modest, preliminary data from our laboratories indicate that removal of contaminating materials markedly decreases the toxicity to AmB without compromising its antifungal efficacy. Thus, AmB HP promises to be a significant addition to current antifungal therapy by offering a preparation with a higher therapeutic index than is offered by current AmB formulations. In the Phase II of this project we will address the production of AmBHP and filing of an NDA for initiating a clinical trial. The clinical trial results will be used to support an NDA for seeking approval for the use of AmB HP in disseminated mycoses commonly seen in patients with HIV infections or other infections of immunocompromised patients."
Algorithms for Hyper-spectral Image Processing,FA8718-05-C-0053,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,1,99999.00,"DYNAMIC SENSORS, INC.",9000 Bramlett Road,,Harrison,TN,37341,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,Controller,4238941579,roger__bailey@hotmail.com,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,4238941579,chad__cox@hotmail.com,"Dynamic Sensors, Incorporated (DSI) proposes a superior approach to Algorithms for Hyper-spectral Image Processing for the problem of spatial-spectral-temporal measurements of transient phenomena. DSI will demonstrate a Machine Intelligent Processor (MIP) software tool for rapid identification of dynamic battlefield events. MIP is an image analysis approach that is based on a neurobiological model, an understanding of basic processes used by sighted life forms."
Commercial Development of Stabilized Cellular Diagnostics and Therapeutics to Lessen Logistical Burden on the Battlefield,W31P4Q-05-C-R165,DOD,DARPA,STTR,2005,2,749970.00,"Greystone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.","3251 Poplar Avenue, Suite #150",,Memphis,TN,38111,No,No,No,Steve Monroe,VP Technology,9014522395,shmonroe@greystonemedical.com,Bob Moore,Associate Professor,9014486085,bmoore@utmem.edu,"Massive blood loss is the most common cause of death in potentially survivable battlefield casualties, yet no definitive medical innovations have been made for reducing these deaths in the past several decades. It is still highly impractical to carry large volumes of refrigerated blood into battle, and substantial research for developing blood substitutes and extending the durability and portability of whole blood has not yet been successful. A practical means of addressing life-threatening hemorrhaging is still needed. Our objective is to develop and commercialize a novel binary drug therapy that serves as a temporary (3-4 hours), life-saving alternative to volume resuscitation and whole blood transfusions. Phase I proved feasibility using the rat hemorrhagic shock model. In addition to elevating low arterial pressure to vital organs, hypovolemic rats treated with the binary agents exhibited a statistically significant indication that the drug therapy has a potent ""insulating"" effect in protecting vital organs from the effects of advanced hemorrhagic shock. In Phase II, we will research the binary therapy's efficacy in a pig hemorrhagic shock model, evaluate vital organ protective properties discovered in Phase I, optimize formulation and dosage, and initiate commercialization via the FDA approval process for an Orphan Drug fast-track designation."
SBIR Phase I: Customized Ontology Information Retrieval,0441666,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2005,1,99970.00,INRAD,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Marry A. Merrell,Ms,8659274134,MAST@mail.imti21.org,Mary A. Merrell,Ms,8659274134,MaryAnn.Merrell@inrad.us,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop and demonstrate a prototype information retrieval application that creates a customized view of a domain ontology to assist users in retrieving relevant documents from a collection of information. The ontology will be employed to guide users to optimize their query formation; the system will capture and analyze the user's query development process and term preferences in order to identify term usage patterns. The system will also analyze the choices the user makes to view documents from the search results. The results of the user query analysis and document selection analysis will be used to create a user-specific unique view of the ontology for future searches. This capability will dramatically improve the accuracy, speed, and ""intelligence"" of context-aware information retrieval systems. It will also enable refinement of the ontology for greater semantic depth and utility. This development will have broad impacts for the information management community. By increasing the depth of semantic understanding through interaction with users, the system will ""mine"" the expertise of its users to enrich the source ontologies, increasing their usefulness for a broader base of users. The customizable ontology capability developed under this project will find uses in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, defense/counterterrorism, and manufacturing at a minimum - in every sector reliant on ""deep knowledge."" Customizable ontologies will reduce the volume and diversity of information presented to users, improving retrieval accuracy and speed by orders of magnitude and enabling future search engines to deliver - with a single ""hit"" - exactly the information sought. By enabling clearer articulation of user needs based on term usage and preferences, this project is expected to improve information retrieval system efficiency tenfold. The customizable ontology will provide a pathway to dynamic, real-time knowledge management. As just one example, ontology-based advisors offer tremendous opportunities for innovation in product and process development, by enabling designers to draw effectively on the captured knowledge of the enterprise."
SBIR Phase I: A Small Digital All Solid State Gamma and Neutron Radiac,0441052,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2005,1,100000.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,Wayne Garber,Mr,4234825992,intraspc@icx.net,John Walter,Mr,8654831859,intraspc@icx.net,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a small, low-cost, digital, all solid state detector system containing a solid-state gamma-ray detector, a solid-state neutron detector, and a low power Si CMOS signal conditioning chip. These detectors will be combined with existing electronics component technology to create small radiation monitoring systems with visual readout and presettable audio alarm levels suitable for discrete site installation in strategic locations or for personal wear. The commercial application of this project will be to detect clandestine nuclear weapons and radioactive ""dirty bombs"". There is a need for such systems for use at strategic sites and for use by individuals such as dock workers, postal employees, private package transport personnel, and airport workers."
Predictive Modeling of the Engineered Wood Properties Using Genetic Algorithms with Distributed Data Fusion,2005-33610-15484,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2005,1,80000.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,John Allen,,8652181300,gannmann@earthlink.net,John Allen,,8652181300,gannmann@earthlink.net,"Situation or Problem: The U.S. forest products industry contributed $406 billion to the U.S. economy and employed 2,140,399 people in 2002. Currently the forest products industry is facing unprecedented competition from international imports and high wood costs. In 2003, the engineered wood panel sector produced 64.3 billion square feet of panels of which wood waste ranged from 3% to 9%. Reducing wood waste by 1% can translate into annual savings of $500,000 to $700,000 per producer and save 1.9 to 5.9 billion square feet of wood. Two of the largest contributors to wood waste in engineered wood manufacture are rejected panels and high density targets. Rejected panels lead to rework and high density targets result from excessive process variation. High levels of wood waste lead to poor wood yield, and subsequently higher resin and energy use. Reducing wood waste and improving wood yield can help this important economic sector improve and sustain competitiveness. Indirect benefits to society from wiser use of the forest resource are immeasurable. Purpose: This Phase I project will address the problems of wood waste and poor wood yield in engineered wood manufacture by developing a real-time prediction system for physical properties using a hybrid Genetic Algorithm/Neural Network (GANN) with distributed data fusion."
A MEMS Smart Battery Monitoring and Hybrid Power System,W56HZV-04-C-0695,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2005,2,726463.00,MICRON CORP.,158 Orchard Ln,,Winchester,TN,37398,No,No,No,Dieter Nowak,President,9314617003,dnowak@microntn.com,Dieter Nowak,President,9314617003,dnowak@microntn.com,"A hybrid power system for military vehicles, consisting of a battery status controlled generator for charging and a battery/capacitor hybrid is proposed. The components of the system are controlled by identical MEMS based integrated smart controllers which are integral parts of the battery/capacitor/generator system and communicate wireless with each other, with the dashboard and with maintenance personnel. The inexpensive (~$25) controller design and system concept are the result of the Phase 1 effort. The hybrid increases available cranking capacity by utilizing the low current capacity of an automotive battery to charge a double layer capacitor bank, which in turn is used to start the engine at the required high currents. The proposed technology includes an innovative method for corrosion proof cell voltage access and a novel concept to eliminate all wiring, including inside the battery, by using advanced RFID technology. A new concept to manage battery heat at very low temperatures under arctic conditions to prevent low temperature extremes is also incorporated. The control system is designed for integration in off-the-shelf automotive batteries, and requires no changes to the battery case design of conventional batteries. The system implements a novel charge algorithm to reduce gassing."
NON-IRRITATING RETINOIDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF AGING,2R44AR049621-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2005,2,1016500.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,William Purcell,,9014540797,PURCELL@MOLECULARDESIGN.COM,William P. Purcell,,9014540797,purcell@moleculardesign.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This application represents the Phase II version of SBIR grant R43 AR049621 entitled ""Non-Irritating Retinoids for the Treatment of Aging Skin"". Studies carried out prior to Phase I and during the Phase I portion of this project have demonstrated that a synthetic retinoid (identified as MDI-301) is as effective as all-trans retinoic acid (RA) in stimulating collagen repair in the dermis of mice (topically treated) and human skin (in organ culture) but, unlike RA, is non-irritating. We expect, therefore, that MDI-301 will ultimately provide a non-irritating alternative to RA for topical use in the prevention and treatment of aged/photoaged skin. In this Phase II application, we have identified a number of critical issues that need to be addressed as part of the development process of MDI-301. The three specific aims of this Phase II application identify the issues and our approach for addressing each of them. In Specific Aim I we will compare MDI-301 and RA for ability to stimulate extracellular matrix production and inhibit extracellular matrix degradation in human skin transplanted to severe-combined immunodeficient (scid) mice. As part of these studies, we will determine if treatment results in a histologically-evident improvement in the structure of the transplanted skin and determine if function (i.e., wound-healing capacity) is concomitantly improved in the treated skin. In Specific Aim II, MDI-301 and RA will be compared for their ability to modulate events in human skin that contribute to irritation. The information from theses studies will be used to help understand, at the cellular and molecular levels, why MDI-301 is non-irritating under conditions in which RA is irritating. Finally, in Specific Aim III, we will begin the safety evaluation of MDI-301 necessary to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA. The major goal of the Phase II effort is to develop MDI-301 to the point where we can attract a drug-development partner having the resources to obtain regulatory approvals (IND, clinical trials, NDA) and to market the drug effectively."
Carbon Nanofiber [F-18] Fluoride Ion Concentration for High Speed Biomarker Production,DE-FG02-05ER86255,DOE,DOE,STTR,2005,1,99364.00,"Nanotek, LLC",217 FenceRail Gap,,Walland,TN,37886 0251,Yes,No,No,Debbie M. Matteo,Ms.,8659801916,jdmatteo@direcway.com,Joseph C. Matteo,Mr.,8658062059,jdmatteo@direcway.com,"78954 The DOE has expressed a need for developing tools that can improve and simplify production of radiolabeled compounds. Conventional synthesis of PET radiotracers is hampered by the complex and sensitive synthesis processes that often produce low yields, consume costly precursors, and can take hours to complete. If fluoride ion could be concentrated into microliter volumes of dry solvent quickly and efficiently, then specific activity could be increased and microfluidic devices could be used to synthesize radiolabeled compounds in less than one minute. This project will develop a [F-18] fluoride ion concentration device that utilizes conductive carbon nanofiber arrays in a microfluidic chip. The device will anodically accumulate and then release [F-18] fluoride ion at volumetric concentrations of 100:1, ten times greater than conventional techniques, while simultaneously transfering the material from an aqueous to nonaqueous environment in one step. In Phase I, a prototype carbon nanofiber device will be developed and thoroughly tested hydrodynamically and electrochemically prior to cold and hot fluoride experiments. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The carbon nanofiber concentration device should enable researchers to use PET in both therapeutic and diagnostic drug discovery more easily and at a lower cost. The carbon nanofiber device also may have ionic concentration applications outside of PET, enabling high speed, chemically inert ionic separation."
Rapid Microfluidic Production of Multiple PET Biomarkers,DE-FG02-05ER84290,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2005,1,99638.00,"Nanotek, LLC",217 FenceRail Gap,,Walland,TN,37886 0251,Yes,No,No,Debbie M. Matteo,Ms.,8659801916,jdmatteo@direcway.com,Joseph C. Matteo,Mr.,8658062059,jmatteo@nanotek1.com,"78966S The DOE has expressed a need for novel probes for biomedical applications as well as radio tracers for functional molecular imaging. Synthesis of novel probes and radiotracers, particularly new PET biomarkers, is difficult and costly and is limiting the utility of PET imaging technology. There is a need for rapid production of multiple and novel biomakers with PET radiolabels from a single synthesis device, which can be routinely operated by clinical and research staff. This project will develop a microfluidic platform for high speed organic synthesis and flow-based purification of PET biomarkers, with closed-loop feedback for continuous yield optimization. The device will be capable of producing multiple biomarkers in less than 60 seconds by operating in parallel with interchangeable cartridges. Only microliter quantities of reagents will be consumed and minimal user setup will be required. In Phase I, the microfluidic circuit will be designed to support closed-loop production of biomarkers with [F-18] fluoride ion labels. A prototype synthesis platform will be fabricated, characterized, and used to synthesize fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as a demonstration of feasibility. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The microfluidic synthesis platform should enable PET researchers to rapidly synthesize and optimize new biomarkers while consuming only microliter quantities of costly reagents. The same device can transition from research to clinical biomarker production, leveraging fast reaction speed and low reagent costs to deliver new and more specific biomarkers at significantly lower costs compared to conventional automated chemistry. Sterile disposable reactor and reagent cartridges should provide a recurring market as well."
SBIR Phase I: Fast Remote X-ray Screening,0441558,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2005,1,100000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,Edward J. Sommer,Dr,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,Edward J. Sommer,Dr,6157346400,ejcommer@nrt.inc.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to develop a flexible networked high capacity security checkpoint system. The proposed system is designed to enable cost-effective high throughput x-ray screening of items carried by individuals into areas having high numbers of people passing through or congregating. It is widely felt that conventional security checkpoints, such as those in airports, are too bulky and slow for applications where there are large numbers of passengers such as railways. A primary need is to be able to screen persons and their carried items at significantly higher processing rates. Projected capacity of the proposed system is an order of magnitude greater than the capacity of current security checkpoints modeled on checkpoints in our nation's airports. Typical venues that could be served by the proposed system are mass transit systems, auditoriums, sports arenas, shopping malls, conference halls, and other venues having high concentrations of people vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The proposed technology would provide protection against terrorist attack to persons in such crowded areas by providing x-ray screening for weapons and explosives of briefcases, knapsacks, backpacks, packages, etc. carried into the area. Broader impacts of the proposed technology can be significant. Terrorist attacks on mass transit systems or other places having large crowds in the U.S. could have significant adverse effects upon our society and our economy. There are many venues in the U.S. where crowds gather. Many such as sports arenas, auditoriums, concert halls, and conference centers and are used intermittently. Others, such as mass transit, shopping malls, schools, universities, and office buildings have high traffic daily. For these venues the installation, maintenance, and manning of permanent fixed security checkpoints, such as those used at airports, is very expensive and in many cases not feasible. As protection of our national critical infrastructure becomes a higher priority in the face of increasing terrorist threats security for these high traffic areas must be effectively addressed. In these situations the ability to quickly set up and efficiently operate flexible, compact, and fast security checkpoints when needed can be a real benefit and make the difference for being able to provide an effective level of security. The proposed technology can be adapted to integrate with existing checkpoint screening systems and has a significant upgrade market for existing systems in addition to markets for new systems."
Identification and Sorting of Printed Wiring Boards (PWB) Within an E-Waste Recycling Stream,EP-D-05-031,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2005,1,70000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",President/CEO,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Electoronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide. Improper handling of e-waste results in vast amounts of toxic waste being sent to landfill and leaching into the water supply. Due to these concerns e-waste recycling is a rapidly growing industry. Unfortunately, most current e-waste recycling processes rely on either manual hand sorting or differental density sorting methods. Manual hand sorting is expensive in the U.S. and has been associated with major environmental damage overseas. Differential density sorting is expensive and is not very effective for sorting e-waste plastics by polymer type. Developing plastics sorting technologies are incompatible with differential density sorting technology. When properly sorted there are a significant amount of valuable recyclable materials in e-waste. Recycling rates for e-waste are currently low in part because e-waste recyclers charge a fee for recycling in order to make a profit. Legislative action in many states may increase this rate, but the long term viabilty of e-waste recycling depends upon economical approaches to recovering these valuable materials. The objective of this proposed Phase I research is to determine the feasibility for developing a high speed automated sorting system for sorting printed wiring boards (PWB) from e-waste plastics. This automated sorting system would allow recyclers of e-wastes to more efficiently process these PWBs and to obtian a pure plastics steam which could then be more efficiently sorted into pure polymer streams which can then be sold for a premium to plastics manufactures. A significant increase in the anticipated amount of e-waste has been observed over the last few years and is expectd to continue as the time between introduction and obsolescence becomes continually smaller. Because most electronic devices contain a significant number of plastic parts and PWBs, separation and recovery of these materials is crucial for the long-term viability of environmentally friendly recyclig of e-wastes. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of Phase I and Phase II research that the application of the technology will improve the costs of recycling e-wastes, improving the rate at which e-wastes are recycled. The proposing firm is a major manufacturer of recycling equipment for the post-consumer plastics recycling industry and has recived considerable interest in the development of a sorting system for sorting printed wiring boad materials from e-waste plastics. Due to this interest the proposed technology is expected to have a strong market in the e-wate recycling industry."
Open Architecture Image-Guided Therapy Software System,1R44CA115263-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2005,1,149870.00,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,PATHFINDER THERAPEUTICS,2969 ARMORY DR.,NASHVILLE,TN,37204,No,No,No,,,6157830094,,James D. Stefansic,,6157830094,jim_stefansic@pathfindertherapeutics.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): One of the important developments in disease treatment over the past decade has been the development of image-guided procedures. The rise of such systems has also been associated with a contraction of the market with a few companies becoming the dominant players in the field. In such a contracted commercial state, the field does not rapidly expand but rather has to wait for the large corporations see enough potential profit in new applications to innovate. One of the barriers to new innovation is the complexity of the imageguided procedure task, requiring understanding of three dimensional tracking systems, image to physical space registration techniques, display methodologies, graphic techniques, data IO and methods of using intraoperative data to correct preoperative assumptions or to deal with temporal changes. In this proposal we propose to create an open architecture/closed source system for image-guide procedures. Such a system would allow organizations, technology companies and other more agile innovators to prototype new systems without having to expend considerable effort outside of their expertise. It would also provide a common platform allowing consortia of organizations (academic, research and commercial) to coalesce on new applications bringing new therapeutic techniques to the market more quickly."
Spectroscopic Imaging Gamma and Neutron Emission Tracker SIGNET,NBCHC060022,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2005,1,100000.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Ethan L. Hull,Detector Physicist and Partner,(925) 245-9502,ethanhull@phdsco.com,Ethan Hull,Detector Physicist and Partner,(925) 245-9502,,"Gamma ray and neutron emitting isotopes can be located and identified with the use of a directional gamma ray and neutron detection system having excellent spectroscopic energy resolution. Segmented germanium gamma-ray detectors are the best detectors for such a system. Recent evolutions in germanium detector technology, imaging techniques, electronics, and cryogenics make such a system viable. Together, these developments provide the foundation for a new breed of commercially available, transportable, germanium detector systems with advanced capabilities. We propose to develop the Spectroscopic Imaging Gamma and Neutron Emission Tracker or SIGNET. The SIGNET will be a portable 40 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm instrument containing a mechanically cooled germanium detector system. The SIGNET will display the identity and direction (position) of different radioisotopes in the vicinity of the instrument. The SIGNET will simultaneously determine the presence and direction of neutron sources! The project will bring together fundamental detector physics capabilities to create a portable user-friendly tool for local and federal authorities to better evaluate suspicious situations involving radioactive material. During phase 1, measurements and calculations will provide a detailed design for a prototype SIGNET instrument. We intend to manufacture these instruments in our fabrication facility."
Segmentation of the Outer Contact on P-Type Coaxial Germanium Detectors,DE-FG02-05ER84157,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2005,1,99840.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Paula Pehl,Dr.,5108453144,paulapehl@phdsco.com,Ethan L. Hull,Dr.,9252459502,ethanhull@phdsco.com,"78248S Segmented germanium detector arrays are needed by the DOE for the characterization of low-level radioactive samples. In addition, the same detector arrays could perform important fundamental physics measurements, including the search for rare-events like neutrinoless double-beta decay. However, because of their complexity, these segmented coaxial detectors are expensive and available only after relatively long lead times. Improved fabrication techniques would greatly reduce costs and improve the availability of these segmented detectors for the low-level counting community. Therefore, this project will experimentally investigate alternative techniques for making segmented contacts on p-type coaxial germanium detectors, which would be a much cheaper alternative to the segmented n-type coaxial detectors currently proposed. However, the difficulties associated with the segmentation of conventional thick lithium-diffused contacts must be addressed. Phase I will evaluate amorphous germanium contacts for the hole-injection barrier on small planar test detectors. By making many detectors in rapid succession, the best fabrication parameters will be determined and reconciled with theory. To demonstrate the viability of the fabrication technique, a p-type pseudo-coaxial detector having 8 segments will be fabricated. By the end of Phase II, the best fabrication technique for making segmented p-type coaxial detectors will be determined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new germanium-detector technology should enable better detector performance at lower cost. In large low-background arrays, these detectors should find use in the assessment of low-activity radioactive sources of national security and environmental importance. In addition, the same detector arrays will take pure science to new levels of sensitivity in the Majorana search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. Other potential areas of importance to the DOE and the nation include nuclear nonproliferation, medical imaging, and x-ray detectors."
"Electromagnetic Pulse Protection for Distributed, Shipboard Transducer-Bus Networks",N00164-05-C-6091,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,2,584237.00,PLASMA SCIENCES CORP.,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-7421,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,Controller,4238944646,Roger__Bailey@hotmail.com,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,4238944646,Peter__Krueger@hotmail.com,"Reliance on modern electronic network technology comes with susceptibility to upset or damage from high energy Electromagnetic Pulses. The U.S. Navy plans to deploy a family of Multi-Mission Surface Combatants outfitted with local area network total ship monitoring systems utilizing the evolving family of IEEE 1451 standards. Network standards will facilitate manpower reduction through automation, making future naval ship systems readily reconfigurable and adaptive, but making ships increasingly vulnerable to directed energy weapons. Plasma Sciences Corporation is exploring concepts of electromagnetic transient voltage pulse protection for shipboard transducer-bus networks conforming to the IEEE 1451 standards. The significance of this work rests in the application of weakly ionized plasma physics to the mitigation of over-voltage transients. Phase I SBIR efforts evaluated a plasma breakdown transient voltage suppressor, a switch that closes rapidly to a highly conductive state in the presence of high electric fields and rapidly opens to a highly resistive state when field strength drops, and proved the feasibility of a plasma limiter for EMP protection. This Phase II will design and fabricate a prototype for laboratory testing and optimization. A Phase III will construct a First Article for Environmental Qualification Testing and address low rate initial production and commercialization."
Innovative Use of Surface Coatings to Reduce Exposure to Beryllium in the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle Supply Chain,W9113M-05-C-0119,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2005,1,99687.00,PRSM CORP.,2210 Award Winning Way,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Candy Snyder,Controller,8656937776,csnyder@prsmcorp.com,Jeffrey R. Miller,President & CEO,8656937776,jmiller@prsmcorp.com,"The technical objective of this proposal is to determine if innovative applications of temporary and/or permanent surface coatings could reduce or eliminate the potential for beryllium (Be) exposure in some segments of the ballistic missile manufacturing supply chain. A unique team of supply chain managers, materials scientists and industrial hygienists from PrSM Corporation and the Colorado School of Mines will work with Raytheon Company and Brush Wellman, Inc. to demonstrate the feasibility of this technical approach. The work plan includes: 1. Task 1 - Define the supply chain for Be and Be alloy components for the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) 2. Task 2 - Research coatings to identify applicable temporary and permanent coatings 3. Task 3 - Identify where beryllium exposure can occur in the EKV supply chain 4. Task 4 - Determine where in the EKV supply chain these coatings should be applied 5. Task 5 - Develop the work plan for the proof-of-concept demonstration in Phase II 6. Task 6 - Reporting This opportunity is significant because companies in the ballistic missile manufacturing supply chain are reluctant and often unwilling to handle beryllium-containing parts because of the regulatory, legal and financial risk. This limits competition and leaves the Federal Government vulnerable to business interruption if key suppliers elect to withdraw from the business."
Realistic Phantom Series for OLINDA/EXM Version 2,1R42CA115122-01,HHS,HHS,STTR,2005,1,107000.00,"RADAR, INC.",508 SABLE RIDGE CT,,NASHVILLE,TN,37221,No,No,No,,,6156629260,,Michael G. Stabin,,6153430068,MICHAEL.G.STABIN@VANDERBILT.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The OLINDA/EXM code, which replaces the popular MIRDOSE code for calculating dose estimates in nuclear medicine applications, was given an exemption by the FDA on June 15, 2004 to be distributed as a medical device. The code will have a 3 year lifetime, and may be considered for re-release in June of 2007. The current code contains the traditional phantom types (Cristy/Eckerman), which are considered state-of-the-art in internal dosimetry today, but which many believe should be replaced with more realistic phantom types, as is being made possible by advanced medical imaging technologies and other approaches. More realistic representations of organ geometries and overlap provide better estimates of organ doses for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiopharmaceuticals in medicine, particularly in cancer therapy. The use of voxel-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Single Photon Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging systems provide 3D representations of patient anatomy. Preliminary data comparing dose calculations from existing standard stylized (MIRD) models and those based on real human images have demonstrated some notable differences in calculated absorbed fractions and dose factors. Two standardized phantoms, one each representing the adult male and female, have been developed under the direction of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, and phantoms representing the newborn and pregnant woman at 7 months' gestation have also been designed. We propose extension of these works to develop a complete phantom library is needed to provide the user community with a full set of realistic phantoms for routine use in nuclear medicine. Other, more general radiation safety applications as well will benefit from these more realistic phantoms. Phase I of this project will entail review and testing of existing work, identification of specific phantoms necessary to complete the OLINDA/EXM library and gathering of candidate image data sets for segmentation. Phase II will entail the segmentation of the phantoms, modification of the phantoms to meet organ mass requirements, calculation of dose conversion factors for all organs, using Monte Carlo techniques, and implementation of results into the OLINDA/EXM code."
Digital Signal Processing Electonics for Silicon Strip Detectors,DE-FG02-05ER86259,DOE,DOE,STTR,2005,1,100000.00,RIS Corporation,5905 Weisbrook Lane,Suite 101,Knoxville,TN,37909-0129,Yes,No,No,Michael S. Blair,Mr.,8655884456,msblair@ris-corp.com,Richard A. Todd,Dr.,8655884456,rtodd@ris-corp.com,"78109 Large-area, position-sensitive silicon strip detector arrays are being developed for nuclear physics research. In this application, the traditional electronic processing of the detector signals, along with mixed analog and digital function blocks, largely determines the complexity and cost of such systems. Next generation electronics systems are being constructed using pipelined digital processing of high-speed digitized signals, as is done in the telecommunications industry. Real time analysis of position and correction for detector nonlinearities are needed to improve the nuclear pulse processing and tracking functions for the physics researcher. This project will use digital signal processing concepts and existing graphical system design tools to develop a set of real-time modular functions and hardware targeted for large-area, position-sensitive silicon strip detector arrays. Phase I will model the equivalent circuit response of large-area, position-sensitive silicon strip detectors, develop digital signal processing functions specific to large-area silicon strip detectors, implement a proof-of-principle test module, and evaluate the applicability of the approach. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The functions and hardware developed should provide researchers working with complex nuclear detector arrays and data acquisition systems found at heavy ion research facilities with the capability to embed real-time data processing concepts within field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Interest would extend to industries involved in homeland security monitors, detection of special nuclear materials, medical imaging systems, chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and gamma-ray astronomy."
Reverse Transcription Free Microarray Analysis,1R43GM074311-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2005,1,99555.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Val Golovlev,,8656712166,golovlev@tds.net,Ye Sun,,8656712166,YE_SUN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a new microarray system for performing gene expression analysis directly with total RNA without labeling and reverse transcription to cDNA. Achieving this goal will provide a critical breakthrough and establish a new standard in microarray field. Indeed, although microarray technique has been widely studied and proved to be successful in many applications, there are still many challenges in this field. First, the traditional microarray detection requires the total RNA to be reverse transcribed and labeled with reporter molecules, which is costly and time-consuming. Second, the PCR amplification of target sequences may give rise to systematic errors and biased hybridization signals. Third, the cost for a microarray instrumentation is high. Reducing the cost of instrumentation and day-by-day operation will make microarray technology more accessible to small research institutions and clinics. The key innovation of this project is a new RNA detection technique which employs electrostatic interaction of the target molecules and nanometer-size particles. This detection technique allows to use total RNA directly for hybridization experiment without reporter incorporation and reverse transcription from RNA to cDNA. The technique also allows inexpensive instrumentation to be used for highly-sensitive detection of DNA and RNA in gene expression analysis. With the recent reports of using microarrays in clinical tests for tumorogenesis and prognosis of a chemotherapy outcome (Science, 303:1754), introducing an advanced and inexpensive microarray platform will find fast adoption in more than 500 clinical laboratories and hundreds of life science research laboratories in US alone."
Warfighter 3-D Display,FA8650-05-M-6564,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,1,99987.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,C. E. Thomas Jr.,Chief Technical Officer,8655790113,thomasce2@att.net,C. E. Thomas Jr.,Chief Technical Officer,8655790113,thomasce2@att.net,"Third Dimension Technologies proposes a truly innovative combination of the very latest state-of-the-art developments in optics and electronics to produce a true 3D display that approaches the limits of what the human eye can resolve. A proprietary optics tiling technology allows complete modularity and scalability of the display. For an HPO (horizontal parallax only, three-dimensional in the plane of eye separation) panel the requirements for a 50 cm (20-inch) high-resolution color display would be an effective 120 Mpixels per 3D image. That is, 1600 x 1200 resolution with a 60 degree FOV, one-degree resolution, each pixel in color. This is more than three orders of magnitude down from the true holographic HPO display requirements, but would provide resolution close to the limits of human perception. The display would be readily scalable from a few cm to 100 cm or larger. This provides visual data at densities very close to the highest resolution the human eye can perceive. The display is fully adaptable to both HPO and full parallax (both horizontal and vertical)."
True Three Dimensional Display For Medical Telepresence,1R43EB004221-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2005,1,100000.00,Third Dimension Technologies,11020 Solway School Rd Ste 104,,Knoxville,TN,37931-2052,No,No,No,Ce Thomas,,5122172765,THOMASCE2@ATT.NET,Ce E. Thomas,,8655790113,THOMASCE2@ATT.NET,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):
The goal of this Phase I SBIR project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a high-resolution truly three-dimensional (3D) color display for use in Medical data display applications. Such a display would tremendously improve remote (telepresence) medical teaching, diagnosis, and viewing of three-dimensional kinds of medical data (CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, acoustic scans,...). The display would use broadband (""white light"", not laser) illumination so that there are no questions about eye-safety of the device. While there are presently pseudo-3D displays (generally stereoscopic, or projection of one plane at a time on to a volume display, or requiring goggles) and at least one display that projects laser light onto a globe, none of these recreates the true three-dimensional light wave at the eye. These displays therefore all suffer from various problems, and are generally clumsy and not very satisfactory in use. The proposed research has the goal of producing a compact, cost-effective, 3D display projector.
The state of the art in electro-optic components, illumination sources, and computational speed has advanced to the point that with high probability (but also with high risk) it is feasible to create a truly three dimensional (holographic) display that can be used to project three-dimensional medical images for medical teaching, assisting less-skilled personnel in medical diagnosis, and sharing of three-dimensional medical data over the internet between medical experts in the same or different fields. This Phase I SBIR project will investigate both the hardware and computational feasibility of creating this holographic display with available (though state of the art) electro-optic components and computational resources. The expected outcome is demonstration of feasibility of the 3D display, along with a conceptual display design for use in actual design and construction of a prototype 3D display in Phase II of the project. Though highly risky, success in this endeavor will be a terrific win for medical telepresence and 3D data display applications."
Electronic Power Supplies Prognosis Using Material Modeling and Simulation,N68335-05-C-0127,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,2,727614.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,chief Operating Officer,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Chief Technology Officer,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Power supply systems are - compared to other electronic systems - highly susceptible to failure due to the high voltage and current conditions they routinely operate in. JSF operational reliability could be greatly enhanced by ensuring power supply performance in fielded systems. A power supply system is made up of various devices, all of which are interconnected with solder welds. During Phase I, VEXTEC demonstrated that failure physics combined with material-based simulation, allowing for real world variability, can be used to predict solder joint reliability. It was also shown that individual joint reliability can be used to predict overall power supply failure using system reliability approaches. This SBIR Phase II will more fully develop this technology for a specific OEM power supply considering variability in real world operating conditions as well as in electrical, mechanical and structural behavior. Also it will be shown that this technology, combined with other synergistic approaches, can be used for JSF readiness prognosis. The by-product of this project will be the development of on-board E-MICRO prognosis technology."
Military Gas Turbine Engine High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF) Mitigation,N68335-06-C-0028,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,2,811660.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,Rtryon@vextec.com,"The proceedings from the 16 August 1999 HCF Probabilistics Steering Committee meeting indicate that material behavior is a leading root cause of HCF problems in blades, vanes, and seals. A conventionally used component lifing practice is to conduct a Goodman type analysis to estimate the resistance to HCF failure. However the true resistance of a component to HCF loading is dependent on the steady and vibratory stress gradients and the stressed volume of material. Because Goodman diagrams are based on specimens of simple geometry that do not have the same stress gradients as the component, the Goodman diagram provides only a rough estimate of fatigue response. This SBIR will build on an existing VEXTEC material fatigue response model, MICRO (microstructural-based probabilistic fatigue analysis), to properly account for the multi-scale aspect of early fatigue damage that drives the scatter in fatigue response. The ultimate SBIR objective will be to develop capability for accurately predicting HCF damage effects for a complex component (JSF 1st stage fan blade) based on a minimal amount of simple. In effect, this product will be a computationally efficient Goodman analysis that will allow for accelerated design analysis, redesign avoidance, less testing and minimal build-in design conservatism."
Real-Time Management of Turbine Engine Usage Data,FA8650-05-M-2558,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,1,99956.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Richard Holmes,Manager Technology,6153720299,rholmes@vextec.com,"This SBIR program will develop a novel software methodology for the management of gas turbine usage data in real time for accurate prediction of engine life. The approach will be flexible enough to allow for re-assessment of life consumption when subsequent knowledge provides a revised understanding of the way the damage is accrued. Phase I effort will investigate at least two potential data compression methods. The first approach, similar to many conventional computer compression routines, would be based on a pattern matching look-up table. The second approach will be based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). A key Phase I task will be to identify an approach for signal processing or data compression without any negative effects on life prediction. Although data compression experts can be found throughout industry, the VEXTEC Team are renowned turbine engine lifing and fatigue experts.The Phase I effort will evaluate optimal data processing techniques that will need to be incorporated into engine health management as well as engine prognosis systems. The Phase II effort will further develop these techniques and demonstrate how data flows from the raw signal to a processed and compressed format."
Digital Electronics Health Prognosis,N68335-06-C-0091,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2005,1,79980.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Electronic digital circuit boards are composites of organic or inorganic materials with external and internal wiring designed to electrically interconnect and mechanically support all of the components and dissipate heat. Digital electronic circuit failure is ultimately a material failure at either the board, interconnect or component level. VEXTEC proposes to extend JSF prognosis to digital electronics using a physics of failure and material microstructural modeling approach. This project will consider digital circuit failure due to lead-free solder fatigue, board delamination, and individual component failure. The proposed project will develop an innovative, diagnostic/prognostic life prediction methodology for JSF application using currently planned onboard sensed data as modeling input. Phase I will show concept feasibility through a remote input output (RIO) circuit board prognosis demonstration. This system represents an excellent example for the prognosis need given there are ten RIOs at various locations on the JSF aircraft. These ten RIO's represent a system of like components exposed to different environments within the aircraft. Also sensors are currently available to measure temperatures and vibration at each of the ten locations."
Novel Vehicle and Fleet Reliability & Cost Modeling Tools,W56HZV-06-C-0071,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2005,1,69989.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Animesh Dey,CPDO,6153720299,adey@vextec.com,"OEMs have historically been forced into short term planning due to the nature of the market for their products; however they have increasingly turned to a new agile approach to planning of design and production. Tools for the development and exploitation of capabilities need to be developed to be successful in a changing, nonlinear, uncertain and unpredictable environment. Specifically simulation and analysis of possible vehicle design performance and reliability in the various operating environments while considering cost trade-offs is a paramount need. The reliability of the final system is a function of the reliability of all of the parts, including interconnections between the parts. If component reliability is sufficiently understood, it becomes possible to mathematically model the contributions to overall system reliability from each of the lower level elements. This SBIR will build on the existing capability used within the automotive sector to develop the methodology and modeling tools for predicting reliability, performance, and cost of future military systems as integrated functions. Using such a tool, engineers, designers, and others could assess the real world effect of issues such as materials and manufacturing variability for concentrating design controls on parameters most likely to drive reliability and performance."
Turbine Engine Reliability Analysis Tool,FA8650-05-M-2581,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,1,99990.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Chief Operations Officer,6153720299,Lnasser@VEXTEC.com,Animesh Dey,Chief Product Development Officer,6153720299,adey@VEXTEC.com,"Broad-spectrum analysis engineering packages have shared a potentially crippling handicap: the inability to easily couple the results from multiple analyses under a user friendly graphical interface. This deficiency is significant because individual physical phenomena are often interdependent. The mechanical failure of a part or assembly is often a function of a variety of loading conditions, material formulations or forces acting on it. Coupling multiple analyses is considered difficult in practice. This Phase I will establish feasibility for the development of a future engineering analysis tool by developing graphically based software that is capable of being used for currently needed Air Force analysis. The Phase I product will allow for integration with MATLAB, Finite Element Analysis and developed engineering algorithms. Also the software shall have limited Bayesian analysis capabilities which could be expanded during Phase II. The graphically assisted tool will provide a ""drag-and-drop"" approach to building a logic diagram that defines model parameters and their interaction with physical models. VEXTEC will demonstrate that the developed software can be used to predict the fatigue reliability of a gas turbine blade due to HCF, while accounting for variability in the material properties, geometry and blade loading."
Software for the Design and Certification of Unitized Airframe Components,FA9550-05-C-0085,DOD,USAF,STTR,2005,1,99302.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,COO,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,CTO,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"This SBIR Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility for a unitized component structural design tool that allows for holistic risk assessment. The analysis will transform the FEA predicted stress (or strain) state into fully probabilistic assessment of uncertainty in geometry and loading throughout the component. Thereafter the design tool will conduct probabilistic microstructural damage accumulation modeling to predict the material degradation or damage state evolution throughout the component. During Phase I, it will be shown that the IDA can be used to establish the criteria for inspection intervals as well as determine the most cost effective fabrication processes. One of the primary drivers of the cost of fabrication is manufacturing tolerance control. The statistical variation of the part's configuration serves as the input to IDA. Thus, the different combinations of allowable variations in the component's configuration can be determined based on the allowable risk of component failure. The effect of the variation in geometry, microstructure, residual stress state and their influences on each other are assessed in the robust analysis. Finally it will be shown how the envisioned IDA can be used directly for Certification by Analysis."
High Altitude Thermal Response Modeling of Trajectory Shaping Vehicles (TSVs),FA8650-05-M-5027,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2005,1,97183.00,"THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.","P.O. Box 1936, 499 Mount Herman Road",,Shelbyville,TN,37162,No,No,No,Donna Moody,CEO,9316807222,hdmoody@prodigy.net,Henry Moody,President,9316801295,hdmoody@prodigy.net,"Phase I shall determine if the phenomena and material performances being observed in MLBC ground tests simulating Extended Range trajectories envisioned for TSVs are representative of actual flight. In this effort, preliminary thermal-ablation models will be developed for the class of C-C currently showing great promise in TSV missions. The Catalytic Wall analytical techniques developed for NASA reentry TPS shall be applied to these thermal-ablation models and recent MLBC ground tests. From these correlations, the analyses will determine the Catalytic Wall and Kinetic coefficients of the selected materials. These coefficients and analyses shall be applied to representative points on a TSV flight trajectory to determine the importance of Catalytic Wall and Chemical Kinetics in flight. These results shall determine if the ground tests are simulating flight and if not, then what needs to be done to improve the ground test evaluation methods."
Organic USV Seaway Navigation System,N00014-04-M-0262,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2004,1,99936.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick Cox,Principal Investigator,4238944646,ccox@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will implement an innovative design concept/approach and specification for an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) automated seaway navigation system. This generic system is applicable to a wide-range of surface craft sizes, types, and missions. Potential applications include Roboski, the ASH USV (OWL), Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) such as FREEDOM SENTINAL and SPARTAN, and the Remote Mine-hunting System (RMS). This autonomous system will allow the craft to navigate through waves while optimizing course and speed to maximize fuel efficiency."
Sterilization of Medical Devices with Atmospheric Plasma,2R44GM062678-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2004,2,838379.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-wintenberg,,8657773776,KWINTENB@ATMOSPHERICGLOW.COM,Kimberly K. Kellywintenberg,,8657773776,KWINTENB@ATMOSPHERICGLOW.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The sterilization of complex medical devices is difficult due to narrow channels and the presence of optics and electronics. Atmospheric Glow Technologies will develop the Steriglow 210 for room temperature sterilization of these devices using the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma. Phase I work demonstrated the ability to neutralize 6 logs of resistant Bacillus endospores following a 4 minute exposure to the antimicrobial reactive species present in the exhaust from plasma devices. Recent advances by AGT have reduced that time to 2.5 min and the temperature to 25 degrees C, conditions that are certainly well-suited for the sterilization of complex medical devices. Tasks to be undertaken during this proposed work effort focus on characterizing the population of reactive chemical species present in the plasma exhaust both qualitatively and quantitatively. Additional studies will be performed to validate the broad-spectrum efficacy and consistency of the Steriglow 210 using ASTM and AOAC standard methods. In-depth materials studies as well as in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assays will be undertaken to ensure the compatibility of our process with healthcare applications."
Drag Reduction and Flight Control of External Hypersonic Flows by EHD Plasma Actuators,FA8650-04-C-3409,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2004,2,749995.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Sharon Draper,,8657773776,sdraper@atmosphericglow.com,Alan L. Wintenberg,,8657773776,awintenberg@atmosphericglow.com,"Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes using its non-intrusive EHD plasma actuator for drag reduction and flight control of hypersonic vehicles. AGT's plasma actuator is comprised of a series of alternating electrodes embedded in a dielectric covering the surface of the hypersonic body. The primary objective of this Phase II effort is to demonstrate the commercial feasibility and aerodynamic enhancements using a plasma actuator through numerical simulations and wind tunnel tests. This study will build on expertise from the University of Tennessee CFD laboratory and aerospace engineering department. The phase II effort will (1) develop efficient plasma actuators, (2) prove commercial feasibility through wind tunnel testing and (3) simulate the plasma actuators effect with CFD codes. The plasma actuators would revolutionize vehicle design by eliminating the need for moving parts found in conventional flight control systems."
A Parametric Study of EHD Plasma Actuators for Munition Control,FA8651-04-C-0225,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2004,1,99939.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Sharon Draper,CFO,8657773776,sdraper@atmosphericglow.com,Alan Wintenberg,Director of Engineering,8657773776,awintenberg@atmosphericglow.com,"The development of subsonic plasma actuators has the potential to revolutionize the flight performance of munitions. The addition of surface mounted flow controllers based on the electrical manipulation of surface plasma to aerodynamic control surfaces has the promise of offering a dynamic in-flight augmentation of the flight characteristics of the munitions. Plasma actuators, physically comprised of thin dielectric films with printed strip electrodes, can be added to the surface of any aerodynamic body. These plasma actuators have very small physical presence and are comprised of no moving parts. Due to these characteristics they are robust enough to withstand both being walked on and impacted. Using little electrical power the addition of plasma actuators to the surfaces of aerodynamic test shapes has resulted in delaying flow separation, altering the surface drag, inducing vorticity and generating controllable thrust. Atmospheric Glow Technologies (AGT) proposes to parametrically vary the design criteria of plasma actuators based on their licensed OAUGDP technology. The aerodynamic performance of the plasma actuators will be experimentally determined, optimized, analyzed and fitted into both mathematical and computational models. Results of this study will be used to design improved flight control of munitions and augment the internal aerodynamics of machinery."
Sterilizing Medical Equipment With One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma,EP-D-04-029,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2004,1,69941.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberley Kelly-Wittenberg,President & Chief Executive Officer,8567773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,Kimberley Kelly-Wittenberg,President & Chief Executive Officer,8567773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"The goal of this Phase I research project is to investigate the feasibility and commercial potential of using the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDPTM) as a low-temperature sterilization process for medical equipment. Current sterilization technologies that pose a risk to health care workers and the environment are being phased out of use (e.g., ethylene oxide sterilization). This heightens the need to develop innovative environmentally and employee friendly technologies. The OAUGDP patented technology has been shown to be effective at sterilizing/decontaminating a number of surfaces for applications in biological/chemical decontamination, improving indoor air quality, blood products, and food. Furthermore, OAUGDP does not require consumables to operate nor does it generate waste or harmful byproducts.
To demonstrate proof of concept, Atmospheric Glow Technologies will address the following goals:
¿ Fabricate an OAUGDP prototype that will sterilize contaminated medical equipment.
¿ Inoculate stainless steel surgical instruments with microorganisms and assess the OAUGDP exposure time necessary to sterilize the device in the presence or absence of organic debris.
¿ Inoculate common sensitive medical equipment with microorganisms and assess the plasma exposure time necessary to sterilize the device in the presence or absence of organic debris.
¿ Evaluate any potential surface modifications or effect on functionality occurring as a result of OAUGDP exposure through microscopic and analytical techniques.
¿ Prepare a final report and the Phase II proposal."
New Decontamination for Aircraft Cargo Interior,FA8650-04-M-6524,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2004,1,99900.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Sharon L. Draper,CFO,8657773776,sdraper@atmosphericglow.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President,8657773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes to develop the Plasma Agent Neutralization Elimination (PLANE) System based upon its patented One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology. When developed, this advanced design will serve as a stand-alone system for decontamination of large frame aircraft and assoicated cargo. AGT has demonstrated the success of the OAUGDP in decontaminatng various substrates against biological and chemical warfare simulants. Phase I efforts will focus on decontamining materials common to cargo and aircraft (including sensitive materiels) with PLANE technology in an open environment. Work will also focus upon examining the material for any changes following atmospheric plasma exposure."
Antiatherogenic Properties of tert-Butylhydroquinone,1R41HL076925-01,HHS,HHS,STTR,2004,1,100000.00,"BIOINVENTIONS, LLC",3408 Berkshire Cir,,JOHNSON CITY,TN,37604-,No,No,No,William Stone,,4234398762,BILLSTON@BIOINVENTIONSLLC.COM,William L. Stone,,4234398762,stone@etsu.edu,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular disease and considerable evidence supports the role of hypercholesterolemia as a risk factor for this disease. In preliminary work, we found that tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), at a dose lower than approved for human use, was effective in reducing plasma levels of both total cholesterol and triglycerides in a rat model. TBHQ is phenolic antioxidant commonly used as a food preservative. A patent, ""Method for Reducing Blood Cholesterol and/or Blood Triglycerides,"" was subsequently obtained. The long-term objective of this research proposal is to determine the antiatherogenic potential of TBHQ and advance its commercial development. Our specific aims are to test the efficacy of TBHQ in: (1) reducing aortic atherosclerosis; (2) lowering plasma lipid levels; (3) promoting a less atherogenic lipoprotein profile and; (4) reducing plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Elevated levels of CRP are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In our phase I experiments, we will use the apoE knockout (apoE-/-) mouse model since it has been extensively used to study the antiatherogenic potential of other phenolic antioxidants. Our preliminary market analysis suggests that TBHQ could have a potential market of $100 million per year as a lipid-lowering agent. Commercial development should be accelerated since NIH has already conducted extensive toxicological studies with TBHQ."
Peptide Inhibitor For Alzheimer's Disease Therapy,1R43AG023361-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2004,1,100000.00,"CELTEK BIOSCIENCE, LLC","1515 ELM HILL PIKE, SUITE 104",,NASHVILLE,TN,37210,No,No,No,Ni Li,,6153997010,ADMINISTRATOR@CELTEK-BIOSCIENCE.COM,Yaozhong Lin,,6154038623,LINMTS@EARTHLINK.NET,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The extracellular assemblies of amyloid peptides in the brain play a central role in the pathology and subsequent cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The long-term goal of this application is to develop a novel therapeutic treatment for AD by targeting endoproteolytic cleavage reactions that lead to the formation of amyloid peptide oligomers in the brains of AD patients. Beta-secretase is the most critical protease that processes amyloid precursor protein (APP) to form pathogenic AB peptide oligomers. Thus, approaches that target specific inhibition of B secretase-mediated enzymatic cleavage in vivo may be highly beneficial for therapeutic intervention of AD.
The objective of this phase I project is to determine whether cell-permeable peptides encompassing the
IB-secretase cleavage (substrate) site in APP are capable of suppressing apoptosis in cellular models of AD disease. Many studies have convincingly demonstrated that signal sequence-based cell-permeable peptides are useful for studying and manipulating a wide range of intracellular processes, both in vitro and in vivo, including animal disease models. In Specific Aim 1, we will examine whether imported Bsecretase substrate peptides can inhibit the intracellular cleavage of APP by B secretase, leading to a reduction in AB peptide formation and aggregation in neuroblastoma cells. Westem blotting analysis will examine the inhibition of APP cleavage by these peptides. In Specific Aim 2, we will further determine whether inhibition of AIbeta peptide formation by imported substrate peptides would result in a reduction in caspase-3 activity and neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells, measured by a colorimetric assay and a mitochondrial staining method, respectively. The successful outcome of this study will provide a solid biologic rationale for the further study of the therapeutic potential of these agents in treating Alzheimer's disease."
Transport of Methane Pellets for Advanced Cold Moderators,DE-FG02-03ER83634,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2004,2,746752.00,"Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.",450 Bacon Springs Lane,,Clinton,TN,37716,No,No,No,Christopher A. Foster,Dr.,8654355433,cafoster@attg.net,Christopher A. Foster,Dr.,8654355433,cafoster@attg.net,"73071-Existing and planned neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, generate pulses of cold neutrons for materials research. The efficiency of the beam line components, which convert the fast neutrons to a cold neutron beam, determines the usefulness of the facility. Existing solid methane moderators have a high efficiency, but they can¿t be scaled to work on planned high power sources. However, a cold moderator using solid methane pellets should be capable of high power operation, and the technology for producing methane pellets has recently been demonstrated. This project will extend the technology to allow circulation of the pellets into and out of a remote moderator cell. In Phase I, methods were developed to improve the flow characteristics of the pellets, which tend to stick together. A cryogenic rotary drum hopper was developed, which allowed the pellets to be stored without sticking. In Phase II, a full scale cryogenic pellet storage and transport system will be developed. The system will include a larger rotary drum with an indirect pellet cooling system. A pellet discharge chute will be designed to rapidly transfer the pellets to a remote prototype moderator. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Compared to a conventional hydrogen moderator, a methane moderator using this cryogenic pellet technology would double the output of cold neutrons. The pellet technology also could be used for improving commercial dry ice pellet blasting machines."
Cryo-Free 7.0T Actively-Shielded ICR Spectrometer Magnet,1R43RR019178-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2004,1,81316.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,,,8654829551,,Earle E. Burkhardt,,8654829551,EARLE@CRYOMAGNETICS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):
The development of a cryogen-free, actively-shielded 7.0 T high-resolution superconducting magnet for Ion Cyclotron Resonance Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (ICR-FTMS) will significantly reduce system operating costs and simplify operation. Bio-scientists and genetic researchers rely more and more on ICR-FTMS. The proposed FTMS actively-shielded magnet system will have many technological merits: ultra high resolution, low system operating costs (no cryogen refilling will be required to operate the system), user-friendliness (using closed cycle refrigeration, CCR, the magnet portion of the spectrometer becomes almost maintenance free), compact size (due to the active shielding, the system can fit into a small laboratory, and the cryostat will be much smaller since no cryogen storage volume is necessary), flexibility and mobility (no cryogen requirement means problems with cryogen access and availability will no longer lose sitting limitations).
This study will focus on improving magnet stability issues such as temporal field stability in persistent mode, minimizing vibrational effects related to the cryo-cooler, and the robustness of the system in the event of a lower failure. Other areas that will be considered include improving the conduction-cooling system and cryostat, design optimization of the magnet (including field homogeneity, shielding, and stress analyses), design of quench protection circuits, building a model coil to improve cooling capabilities, and generation of a complete engineering design for an actively-shielded cryogen-free 7.0 T magnet system.
A model coil will be tested using a cryo-cooler and cryostat that are already on site. Upon the whole coil reaching the equilibrium temperature of 4.2 K, the coil will be charged slowly to its designed operation current, then the persistent switch will be locked. This test setup can measure several key issues, which will help design the 7.0 T magnet systems."
Superconducting Developments for Compact Power and Energy Systems,FA8650-05-M-2501,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2004,1,99848.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Michael Coffey,President,8654829551,mcoffey@cryomagnetics.com,Earle Burkhardt,Senior Engineer,8654829551,earle@cryomagnetics.com,"Superconducting coils are capable of storing considerable amounts of energy. Should a coil quench, due to overheating or exceeding the critical field or current carrying ability of the wire, the stored energy in the coil must be dissipated safely - without endangering personnel or damaging the coil or control systems. In any superconducting coil design, it is essential to design and build the system such that the limits of the materials involved are not exceeded. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are relatively new to applications in magnets and coils, but are rapidly growing in use thanks to advances in conductor performance and availability. However, not much is known currently concerning the quench protection design limits of the materials. Thus far, quench protection in high temperature superconducting coils has been largely overlooked. This has mainly been due to the fact that HTS materials have higher heat capacities at their operating points, and are often difficult to quench. Unfortunately this high heat capacity also creates slow propagation velocities which can cause catastrophic damage to the HTS. New methods for quench protection in HTS coils will be analyzed via computer simulation."
"Fast-acting, Compact, Piezoelectric Actuator for Control of Mini-Interceptor",W9113M-04-C-0121,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2004,2,749999.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,Vice President of Operati,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"To perform the rapid maneuvers and precise trajectory control required for the MKV mission, it is desirable that thruster valve throttling actuators be able to respond with authority in less than 10 milliseconds. An innovative compact piezoelectric actuator and control system has been developed to control the main divert and attitude control thrusters with controlled response times in the sub-5 millisecond range. The Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of the novel actuators to perform the MKV valve control functions with a substantial weight, volume, cost and energy savings, and higher bandwidth than conventional electromagnetic technologies. DSM developed this steering actuator system for mini-interceptor platforms while working with Lockheed Martin/ATK (Alliant Techsystems). The actuator configuration consists of a novel amplified piezoelectric actuator and compact power electronics. Able to fully open and close at over 500 Hz, the fast moving actuator enables rapid throttle control of the thruster valves to control the interceptor trajectory. In the Phase II program, DSM proposes to fully develop the actuator system and demonstrate the system's dynamic and transient impulse response using refined prototypes tested in a defense contractors full scale testbed under medium fidelity operating conditions."
Compact High Specific Power (HSP) Linear Actuator for Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS),N00164-04-C-6065,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2004,2,744142.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,Vice President of Operati,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM), the NAWC Chinalake, and ATK share the vision of a Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) with the stability and long storage capabilities of a solid fuel system and the versatility of a liquid fuel system. DSM proposes the development of a high specific power (HSP) piezoelectric motorized actuator to command the valves for this system. The proposed actuator makes use of novel gripping concepts and high speed power electronics to enable a 600 Watt PZT-motor actuator. DSM uses the high power capabilities of a PZT stack vibrating at over 10 kHz to produce a macro-continuous motion at lower frequency, yet much greater stroke than possible with direct drive PZTs. The proposed PZT-motor actuator is being designed to produce a 500 lbf stallforce, over 12 in/s speed, no power hold, low EMI interference, increased reliability, and potentially lower cost than current electromagnetic actuators. DSM will develop the motorized actuator and efficient driving electronics for the SDACS and related applications in the Phase II effort. The actuator system will be targeted at driving the valves for a modified 600 lbf sea level divert system, with scheduled cold gas testing on ATK's testbed."
Precision Robotic Tomography System,W15QKN-04-C-1008,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2004,2,730000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,VP Operations,6155956665,mjohns@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"The military and its munitions suppliers require an effective means for quality inspection of various types of munitions during production. The use of standard X-ray imaging computed tomography scanning (CT scanning) methods, which the military already has in place, requires munitions to be manually handled and controlled to prevent damage from mishandling and accidental discharge. DSM proposes the innovative development of a feature-rich, precision robotic handling system which, when married to the existing CT inspection method, will automate and greatly enhance safety and throughput capabilities for the process. The use of robotics to carry munitions and energetic materials through the CT scanning process requires a combination of safe handling protocols, protective hardware, and load and position monitoring suites giving feedback to the system controller. DSM's proposed system incorporates a traditional gantry robot with innovations for safe handling and monitoring of the test specimens throughout the inspection process. The proposed innovations include monitoring/auditing sensor suites to ensure system safety, a flexible gripping and securing method to accommodate a wide range of specimen geometry, and a simple user interface to enable rapid recognition and handling of a novel specimen geometry so that operator input for new specimen types is minimized."
Development of a Secure SCADA Protocol Converter and Gateway for the Electric Power Sector,NBCHC040067,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2004,1,100000.00,Enernex Corporation,170C Market Place Boulevard,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Sandy Smith,Market Analyst,8656915540,sandy@enernex.com,Erich W. Gunther,Chief Technology Officer,8656716650,erich@enernex.com,"SCADA systems play an important role in the nation¿s critical infrastructure. They provide remote monitoring and control for a number of industries. Many organizations have assessed these systems and have found them to be at risk to cyber attack. At the present time, there are millions of SCADA data collection points in the field using a multitude of communication protocols, most of which are inherently insecure. The purpose of this Phase 1 research is to evaluate the requirements and feasibility of implementing high security encryption using IEC 61850 in low cost gateways suitable for securing new and existing SCADA systems. If implemented, the resulting device would embody a protocol converter and gateway based on low cost, off-the-shelf hardware. The project would implement a wide variety of cryptographic and other technologies to secure IEC 61850 and related protocols, and then evaluate the performance of these systems. The idea is to demonstrate that strong security can be implemented on small, low cost systems without compromise. If successful, this effort could yield an easily implementable, low cost means to enhance the security of electric power SCADA systems."
Filter for Airborne Pollutants and Pesticides,FA8651-04-C-0338,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2004,2,750000.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Jayesh Doshi,,4232676266,nanofiber@aol.com,Jayesh Doshi,,4232676266,nanofiber@aol.com,"Recent terrorist activities leave no question that protection systems for warriors will need to address pesticide and pollutant filtration. Although filters are currently available for particulates, there remains a need for regenerating, signature-less filters that can trap pesticides and biological pollutants. Under Phase II, eSpin proposes to develop and fabricate engineered prototypes of self-regenerating polymer and carbon nanofiber based composite air filters. Electrospun nanofibers, which have an extremely high surface area and very small pores, will be produced to trap and neutralize fine particles, aerosols and pesticide vapors. The architecture will be tailored by varying fiber diameter and fiber packing fraction. The nanofibers will be carbonized and activated for optimum performance. The filter will be designed to regenerate itself by electrically heating the carbon nanofibers, burning off biological agents and pesticide aerosols, and desorbing pesticide vapors. The desorbed vapors will be destroyed by passing them through a post-filter in which the fibers have their surfaces modified to generate singlet oxygen, which is known to destroy pesticides. Carbon nanofibers will absorb pollutants, while the post-filter will oxidize pollutants. At the end of the Phase II, eSpin will have developed light weight nanofiber based, regenerating, low-pressure air filters for eliminating pesticides and pollutants."
Develop and/or Improve Optical Coating Processes for Military Mirrors,FA8650-04-C-4223,DOD,MDA,STTR,2004,1,0.00,FLEXIAL CORP.,"1483 Gould Drive,",,Cookeville,TN,38506,No,No,No,Roger Colglazier,"VP-Finance, Flexial Corporation",9314321853,rcolglazier@flexial.com,Richard R. Larsen,"President, Flexial Corporation",9314321853,rlarsen@flexial.com,"A space-saving, economical, collapsible alternative to rigid sunshades-and particularly a replacement for beryllium sunshades-for the protection of optical coatings and heat seeking sensors on kinetic kill vehicles and similar equipment. The bellows sunshade is a self-deploying, non-toxic, titanium, all metallic, non-outgassing cylindrical shield that can expand up to twelve times its stowed length and lock permanently to reduce thermal optical distortion and increase infrared signal-to-noise ratio. In the stowed condition, it can double as an impermeable wall to retain high vacuum protection of optical systems for ten years or more. Other areas of application include shielding of satellite optical systems and compact, hand-held optical apparatus. A legacy version of the concept has proven reliable in twenty years of military surveillance satellite service."
N/A,N43AA410011,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2004,1,100000.00,"GENOME EXPLORATION, INC.","GENOME EXPLORATION, INC.",654 JEFFERSON AVE,MEMPHIS,TN,38105 5003,No,Yes,No,,,9015785708,,Kristen Holtz,,,,N/A
Colorimetric Substrates of SAP2 for Vaginal Candidiasis,1R43AI058398-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2004,1,79792.00,"GRYPHUS DIAGNOSTICS, LLC","GRYPHUS DIAGNOSTICS, LLC",2280 SUTHERLAND AVE,KNOXVILLE,TN,37919-0232,No,No,No,,,8652510101,,Stephen C. Johnson,,8652510101,SJOHNSON@GRYPHUS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term goal of this project is to develop an effective and rapid in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for the evaluation of patient vaginal fluid specimens for vulvovaginal candidiasis using secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP) as a biomarker. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, the second leading form of infectious vaginitis, and the most common reason cited by women for telephoning or visiting their OB/GYN physician, is traditionally self-diagnosed by patients or diagnosed during telephone triage by a nurse based on patient answers to questions posed by the nurse and a review of patient history. Less commonly, clinicians are involved in diagnosis of patients for vulvovaginal candidiasis based on microscopic methods and a review of symptoms. The most common antifungal treatments are over-the-counter fluconazoles or clotrimazoles. Numerous studies demonstrate very poor correlation between the answers provided by patients to questions posed during telephone triage and answers provided to clinicians during a clinical visit, very poor correlation between diagnosis by nurses during telephone triage and clinicians during a near immediate office visit, and the inaccuracy of current clinical methods of diagnosing vulvovaginal candidiasis. An inexpensive, reliable, and efficient IVD for vulvovaginal candidiasis of high clinical performance would be readily welcomed by both the clinical community and patients, greatly assisting physicians and/or patients in confidently and rapidly charting a course of treatment, and significantly reducing the clinical manifestations, increased medical costs, and increased office visits associated with empiric or incorrect diagnosis. Previous work has linked SAP with vulvovaginal candidiasis, the pathogen most associated with infection (i.e., C. albicans), and demonstrated significantly higher levels of SAP in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis compared to carriers. Significant work has been conducted to establish characteristics of the enzyme and its isoenzymes. Our specific aims draw largely on these previous studies and include: (a) synthesis of suitable colorimetric substrates of SAP2 (both chromogenic substrates and a trapped enzyme reported target) and (b) evaluation of substrates with purified SAP2 demonstrating their commercial utility in the development of an IVD for vulvovaginal candidiasis."
Live From Space Station Outreach Payload,NNM04AA73C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2004,1,69805.00,M.D. Perry & Associates,3002 Windy Ridge,,Knoxville,TN,37922 0615,Yes,No,No,Darlene Perry,Business Official,8657771899,darlene@mdperry.com,Darlene Perry,Principal Investigator,8657771899,darlene@mdperry.com,"The Live from Space Station? Outreach Payload (LFSSOP) is a technologically challenging, exciting opportunity for university students to conduct significant research in the biological or physical sciences culminating in a university student built payload that is launched and placed on the International Space Station. Experiment features will be accessed and controlled by high school students via a Live From Space Station? (LFSS) Internet computer interface. A national competition for university students will be implemented to award the payload contract. A separate national competition designed for elementary students will be initiated to help the university awardee name their payload. Museums and science centers will be the LFSSOP curriculum dissemination and training sites, as well as public outreach sites intended to intrigue and excite individuals of all ages. Exhibit kiosks running LFSS systems data, audio, video and student payload-related computer interfaces will stimulate public interest in the space sciences and the uniqueness of on-orbit research. Further, the excitement of working on a scientific problem, devising a payload to collect data, and analyzing results to prove a theory that will contribute to the body of knowledge in the biological or physical sciences will motivate and inspire students to study math and science."
Rapid Assessment of Individual Soldier Operational Readiness,W911SR-04-P-0098,DOD,ARMY,STTR,2004,1,100000.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,Greg Davis,President,8655738188,gdavis@microbe.com,Edward A. Sobek,Indoor Air Division Director,8655738188,esobek@microbe.com,"Human breath contains a treasure-trove of metabolic data, which has the potential to provide real time information representing an individual's baseline health status or rapidly categorize baseline deviations related to environmental stressors, including, biological or chemical agents, physical, heat and cold stress, sleep deprivation, pollutant or allergen exposure, and disease. The most prevalent and discriminating group of biomarkers in breath are the lipid regulatory molecules. We propose to quantitatively assess individual soldier operational readiness with a non-invasive, rapid, analysis of regulatory lipids in expired breath condensate. Proof-of-principal experiments, supported by DARPA, have demonstrated that regulatory lipid biomarkers (eicosanoids and platelet activation factors) are expressed in the breath condensate of mice, rats and piglets exposed to various toxins and pathogens. The biomarker data was reproducible and correlated to presymptomatic inductions of cytokines and host response proteins; both key indicators of immune system activation. Moreover, the data indicate that the pattern of lipid regulator molecules expressed were unique for each stressor. Phase I will test thirty subjects to demonstrate: 1) reproducibility of recovery, 2) individual and group baseline responses while at metabolic rest, physically stressed (aerobic exercise), and sleep deprived 3) profile discriminatory patterns representing the various stressed and unstressed states."
A MEMS Smart Battery Monitoring and Hybrid Power System,W56HZV-04-C-0145,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2004,1,119086.00,MICRON CORP.,158 Orchard Ln,,Winchester,TN,37398,No,No,No,Dieter Nowak,President,9314617003,dieternowak@yahoo.com,Dieter Nowak,President,9314617003,dieternowak@yahoo.com,"A hybrid power system for military vehicles, consisting of a battery/capacitor hybrid and a MEMS based integrated smart controller with wireless communication to the dashboard and to maintenance personnel is proposed. The hybrid increases available cranking capacity by utilizing the low current capacity of an automotive battery to charge a double layer capacitor bank which in turn is used to start the engine at the required high currents. The smart controller is based on Microns smart battery controller, which provides cell monitoring and status information of each cell inside a 12V automotive battery. The proposed technology includes a novel method for corrosion proof cell voltage access, the Micron OneWire system for a drastic reduction of the wire harness inside the battery, a novel charge algorithm to reduce gassing and a low temperature control system to prevent low temperature extremes. The control system is designed for integration in off-the-shelf automotive batteries and requires no changes to the battery case design of conventional batteries."
SBIR Phase II: Computerized Tool for Baggage Screening,0422071,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2004,2,500000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,Edward Sommer,,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,Edward Sommer,PI,6157346400,nrtinfo@nrt-inc.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II research project will develop a technology for improving security checkpoint effectiveness and increasing throughput while reducing labor costs for airports and other sensitive installations by integrating information technology systems incorporating new x-ray image inspection technology, new electronics communications technology, materials handling automation, and database-centric computerization. Current processing rates through a typical security checkpoint are relatively slow and laborious and costs are high. Today's checkpoints take little advantage of computerization thereby limiting their effectiveness. It is planned that the prototype system will be integrated into a TSA approved test site and tested and evaluated by an independent third party
Modernization of checkpoint security will improve protection of many other segments of society. In today's world it is vital that our nation's citizenry, transportation systems, institutions, sensitive installations, and economy have the best protection possible. Security has become much more restrictive and time consuming. If successful this project will develop a product that will be able to increase the security at check bags handling facilities while reducing the time to conduct the checks. The streamlining and improving of security at federal buildings, government installations, maritime ports, shippers, mailrooms, and other sensitive locations can increase confidence in our day-to-day lives and help improve the nation's economic security."
"Improved Modular, Position-Sensitive Neutron Detector Systems Using Boron-Carbide Semiconductor Diodes",DE-FG02-04ER84035,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2004,1,100000.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,Mr.,8654838675,dkopp@ordela.com,Manfred K. Kopp,Mr.,8654838675,mkopp@ordela.com,"75973-Currently available neutron detectors limit the full utilization of beam power and resolution capabilities at existing and proposed steady state and pulsed neutron scattering facilities, used for materials science research. Substantial improvements in detector performance are needed to solve this problem. This project will apply recently developed boron-carbide semiconductor technology to produce solid-state, modular, pixel-cell detector systems with substantially improved count rate and spatial resolution capabilities, compared to 3He based neutron detector systems. In Phase I, the characteristics of boron-carbide diodes will be investigated, and their potential as advanced neutron detectors will be determined. A set of application specific diodes will be procured and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Improved neutron detector systems should find applications at existing and planned neutron-scattering facilities in the United States and worldwide. Other fields of neutron imaging (e.g., homeland security and radiography) also should benefit."
Development of Reliable Segmented Germanium Planar Detector Systems for Nuclear Physics,DE-FG02-03ER83742,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2004,2,749947.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Paula Pehl,Dr.,3608453144,paulapehl@jong.com,Richard H. Pehl,Dr.,3609425930,dickpehl@yahoo.com,"72564-The nuclear physics research supported by DOE has a fundamental need for instruments that detect photons (x- and gamma rays). Segmented germanium detectors can provide better position and energy resolution than any other practical detector system. Although no fundamental technical roadblocks should prevent the ultimate production of commercially viable instruments based on segmented germanium detectors, this project will address several detailed technical issues that still must be solved. Phase I designed and fabricated a first generation, variable temperature detector system, which had 42 x 42 strips laid out on a 2-mm pitch. All the hardware needed to key, fixture, and fabricate the detector were built. A 13-mm thick 101-mm diameter high purity germanium wafer was obtained for the system. The feasibility of reliably using amorphous germaium contacts at temperatures up to at least ~97K was demonstrated. Phase II will design and fabricate two cryostats for measuring fundamental germanium detector physics properties (including surface channel effects, contact barrier heights, and charge collection effects caused by the gap between the strips). A second generation detector system, using 120-mm diameter wafer, will be designed, fabricated, and evaluated. The detector will be loaned to nuclear physicists for more extensive evaluation. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: In addition to applications in nuclear physics, segmented germanium detectors should have very widespread commercial applications, with medical imaging likely to be the largest. Other applications include imaging detectors for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Homeland Defense and detectors for gamma ray astrophysics."
Shipboard Network EMP Protection,N65538-04-M-0123,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2004,1,69996.00,PLASMA SCIENCES CORP.,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-7421,No,No,No,Roger Bailey,Controller,4238941558,Roger__Bailey@hotmail.com,Peter Krueger,Principal Investigator,4238941558,Peter__Krueger@hotmail.com,"Plasma Sciences Corporation (PSC) will confirm the feasibility of applying theoretical and technical expertise to mitigate high-energy RF threats to shipboard smart sensor networks. PSC experience in weakly ionized gases and plasma protection devices is directed to the development of a plasma transient protection device, a limiter, which activates in the presence of electromagnetic pulse bursts and high power microwave beams. This program spearheads a Phase II program in which the prototype plasma protection device will be engineered for low-cost manufacturing, fabricated, and functionally tested for integration into a shipboard network."
Achievability Control Theory for Supervisory Computer-Human Systems,W911NF-04-C-0124,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2004,2,581870.00,Raven Research Corporation,1950 Mountain View Road,,Lenoir City,TN,37771-0782,No,No,No,John Draper,President,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,John Draper,Chief Scientist,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,"The objective of the proposed project is the development of technology for more efficient and effective human-computer supervision of complex systems. Systems that combine humans and automation in a synergistic or cooperative manner may be termed hybrid systems. Hybrid systems offer advantages over both purely automated systems and purely manual systems in many circumstances. However, future hybrid systems will be even more complex than contemporary ones. This gives rise to a serious need to develop methods for integrating humans more closely-and more efficiently-than is possible now within hybrid systems. We believe the proposed approach offers significant advantages in that it is an integrated solution to existing needs for adaptive automation, considering the capabilities of automated systems, human users, and task or mission contingencies within a framework with strong conceptual, mathematical, and empirical foundations."
Application Of Achievability Control Theory To Hybrid Multi-Agent Systems,NNA04AA29C,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2004,1,69953.00,Raven Research Corporation,1950 Mountain View Road,,Lenoir City,TN,37771-0782,No,No,No,John V. Draper,Business Official,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,John V. Draper,Principal Investigator,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,"The objective of the proposed project is the development of technology for more efficient and effective human-computer supervision of complex systems. Systems that combine humans and automation in a synergistic or cooperative manner may be termed hybrid systems. Hybrid systems offer advantages over both purely automated systems and purely manual systems in many circumstances. However, future hybrid systems will be even more complex than contemporary ones. This gives rise to a serious need to develop methods for integrating humans more closely?and more efficiently?than is possible now within hybrid systems. We propose to apply a recent Raven Research innovation, Achievability Control Theory (ACT) to the problem of integrating multi-agent autonomous and semi-autonomous systems into human-machine teams. ACT is a superset of Supervisory Control Theory (SCT) which more synergistically combines human and machine capabilities and enhances the flexibility and effectiveness of hybrid robotic and automated systems. This approach allows for integration of multiple agents in a system and at same time promotes human-centric understanding and design of such a system."
Verification of Coldworking and Interference Levels at Fastener Holes,FA8650-04-M-3429,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2004,1,99997.00,TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY CORP.,10737 Lexington Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932-0329,No,No,No,V. C. Bailey,Vice President,8659665856,Carol.Bailey@tec-usa.com,Beth Matlock,Senior Materials Engineer,8659665856,Beth.Matlock@tec-usa.com,"The residual stresses that result from coldworking a hole, or using an interference-fit fastener, can significantly increase the life of a structure subjected to fatigue loading. Manufacturing practices cause variability in the effectiveness of cold-worked holes and interference-fit fasteners. Furthermore, there currently are no 100% inspection techniques that can be used in situ on aircraft. Thus, the beneficial effects of resultant residual stresses are not accounted for in the structural analysis used for aircraft inspection intervals. TEC proposes to use advanced x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and instrumentation to measure residual stresses at and around cold-worked holes and interference-fit fasteners. Measurements parameters will be developed to subsequently allow quick in situ inspections of aircraft. Validation of the parameters will be performed on standard samples with cold-worked holes. Residual stress data will be reviewed by VEXTEC to propose a life prediction methodology. A conceptualization of a health assessment system will be prepared. Development of the health assessment system would occur in a phase II activity."
"MEMS Multi-Mode, Multi-Parameter Shipping Container Sensors",W31P4Q-04-C-R228,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2004,1,98999.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W. W. Workman,Director of Operations,8654062310,tti@vic.com,W. R. Lawrence,Senior Scientist,8655319150,tti@TeslaTechInc.com,"A solution for critical security sensing scenarios has often been a high-cost scale reduction of large laboratory-based instrumentation. Even though this approach sometimes produces data for a single stimuli that is beyond reproach, it also often produces a very delicate, bulky, and costly system that can not be universally applied. An alternative approach could involve the use of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based sensors which typically results in low-cost devices but with sometimes dubious quality data. Our approach integrates multiple orthogonal stimuli within a single chip to produce a MEMS array sensor that has a very high degree of signal confidence. Each individually sensed stimulus may only produce moderate confidence data, but combining multiple independent stimuli significantly improves detection reliability in a coin-sized package that can be introduced in every shipping container. This could quickly provide universal container interrogation due to the ultra-low cost of these devices in large quantity. The detection of targets such as ""dirty bombs"" would be ideal with this technology since multiple signatures will be present from such a device. Individually we have previously examined MEMS-based infrared, acoustic, chemical, biological, magnetic field, and nuclear radiation sensors. We believe that integrating these stimuli, and eventually many others, onto the same MEMS array within a single chip will represent a major step in sensing technology since the sensor fusion is inherent in the hardware of this approach."
Detection-Driven Useful Life and Performance Life Remaining Prognostic Models for Aircraft Disk and Blade Propulsion Turbo Machinery,N68335-04-C-0166,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2004,2,749968.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Technology for extending the life of fielded systems offers the potential for significant savings in total ownership costs. On-board monitoring combined with physics-based analysis will instill increased confidence in prediction of remaining useful life. The prime contractor OEM is currently working on methodology for JSF 1st stage fan blade prognosis using deterministic methods. However deterministic methods do not consider variability that exists in the real world. The herein technology will develop a probabilistic prognosis approach that considers variability in material properties, loading conditions and mission duty cycle. The focus of this effort will be on HCF foreign object impact assessment. This project will develop a prognosis approach and demonstrate the approach in coordination with OEM JSF health management demonstration testing."
Prediction of Creep Fatigue Interaction for Turbine Engine Components,FA8650-04-C-5216,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2004,2,749985.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Of particular consideration under VAATE I will be future requirements for long range strike aircraft. The sustained high mach usage requirements for the long range strike aircraft necessitate up to 10 times the requirement of F119. OEMs have indicated that in some cases the current fleet was flown hotter than expected and life was reduced on the order of 10 to 1. VEXTEC successfully demonstrated the potential for predicting creep-fatigue interaction based on bolt hole specimens. A significant difference was predicted for pure fatigue without creep, fatigue with global creep effects but no localized creep effects, and fatigue with both global and local creep consideration. The Phase I demonstration predicting valley dwell and peak dwell missions correlated with OEM experience. Phase I research consisted of damage nucleation and propagation (ie: transgranular verses intergranular effects), cyclic damage accumulation, cycle verses time dependence, and the availability of physics-based modeling approaches. Building on the Phase I work, the Phase II will develop a comprehensive methodology for predicting creep effects on fatigue life prediction for complex missions. This methodology will also consider environmental effects, such as embrittlement due to oxidation."
Military Gas Turbine Engine High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF) Mitigation,N00421-04-P-0782,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2004,1,69973.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"The 1999 HCF Probabilistics Steering Committee meeting indicated that material behavior is a leading root cause of HCF problems in blades, vanes, and seals. A conventionally used component lifing practice is to conduct a Goodman type analysis to estimate the resistance to HCF failure. However the true resistance of a component to HCF loading is dependent on the steady and vibratory stress gradients and the stressed volume of material. Because Goodman diagrams are based on specimens of simple geometry that do not have the same stress gradients as the component, the Goodman diagram provides only a rough estimate of fatigue response. This SBIR will build on an existing VEXTEC material fatigue response model, MICRO (microstructural-based probabilistic fatigue analysis), to properly account for the multi-scale aspect of early fatigue damage that drives the scatter in fatigue response. The ultimate SBIR objective will be to develop capability for accurately predicting HCF damage effects for a complex component (JSF 1st stage fan blade) based on a minimal amount of simple specimen data. In effect, this product will be a computationally efficient Goodman analysis that will allow for accelerated design analysis, redesign avoidance, less testing and minimal build-in design conservatism."
Flight Test Development of the X43A-LS Reusable Launch Vehicle,NAS1-03005,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2003,2,599994.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba Pap,Business Official,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Christopher S. Gibson,Principal Investigator,4238944646,cgibson@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation proposes a three-pronged effort to build on the Phase I program to develop technologies in support of the NASA Hyper-X program and the X-43 series of research vehicles (X-43A, X-43B, and X-43C). The data and technologies developed under the proposed Phase II program will also support the development and testing of future hypersonic vehicles and reusable launch vehicles. The three major technical objectives of the Phase II program are: 1) Development of a robust, fully nonlinear parameter identification method and associated tools for extraction of dynamic models from flight test data, while rigorously accounting for both process (state) and measurement noise. 2) Development of an adaptive guidance and navigation control system for the development of optimal flight trajectories for hypersonic vehicles including reusable launch vehicles. 3) Development of a low-speed flight test database for the X-43 configuration by conducting envelope expansion flight tests to quantify the performance and handling qualities of AAC?s X-43A-LS UAV."
Plasma Limiter: RF Mitigation Device for Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems,N00178-03-C-2056,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2003,1,69973.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Louie Elliott,Principal Investigator,4238944646,lelliott@accurate-automation.com,"The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive, high-power, short pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices thatproduce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such disruption is greater than ever. The primary objective ofthe proposed Phase I program is the development of a S-band plasma limiter to protect RF electronics, specifically within radars and electronic warfare systems. The S-band plasma limiter has target specifications of 10kW power handling, "
Plasma Limiter: RF Mitigation Device for Operation in Stressing Environments,HQ00603C0056,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2003,1,69952.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba Pap,CEO,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,Louie Elliott,Principal Investigator,4238944646,lelliott@accurate-automation.com,"The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive, high-power, short pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices thatproduce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such disruption is greater than ever. The primary objective ofthe proposed Phase I program is the development of a microstrip plasma limiter to protect phased array antennas with hybrid microwave integrated circuitry (HMIC). The microstrip plasma limiter has target specifications of 10kW power handling, "
Improved Outcome Prediction In Galactosemic Newborns,2R44DK060054-02A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,2,749674.00,"ADVANCED BREATH DIAGNOSTICS, LLC","ADVANCED BREATH DIAGNOSTICS, LLC","105 WESTPARK DR, STE 150",BRENTWOOD,TN,37027,No,No,No,Kerry Bush,,6153765464,KBUSH@BREATHDIAGNOSTICS.COM,Stanley J. Konopka,,6153765464,SKONOPKA@BREATHDIAGNOSTICS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Galactosemia is a potentially lethal, but preventable, disease of newborns. In Phase I of this grant, we demonstrated that a 13C-galactose breath test could be used to assess the degree of impairment of whole body galactose oxidation in more than 90 galactosemic children with a broad spectrum of mutations in the human GALT gene that codes for galactose-l-phosphate uridyltransferase (E C 2 7 7 12). We further demonstrated that this test could be adapted for use in newborn infants with results comparable to those in older children. In Phase II, we will undertake the pre-commercial manufacture and packaging of unit substrate doses for implementation of a field program for secondary screening in the state of Georgia. This program will test the efficacy of outpatient breath testing, using an automated interactive breath collection device and the analysis of breath samples by a new, low-cost mass spectrometer developed for use at the point of care. The results of this crib-side test will be compared with the biochemical and molecular genotyping tests currently used to confirm or deny the diagnosis of infants with an initial positive state-screen test for galactosemia. A rapid assessment of the degree of functional impairment (which is only indirectly predicted from the biochemical and molecular work-up) will enable the physician to differentiate newborns at life-threatening risk from variants of galactosemia before they are exposed to galactose. Implementation of a newly developed 13C-galactose breath test will provide a valuable cost-effective population screening test to measure the degree of impaired galactose metabolism in newborn infants, guide their dietary therapy, and aid in their long-term prognosis."
Improved Outcome Prediction In Galactosemic Newborns,2R44DK060054-02A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,0.00,"ADVANCED BREATH DIAGNOSTICS, LLC","ADVANCED BREATH DIAGNOSTICS, LLC","105 WESTPARK DR, STE 150",BRENTWOOD,TN,37027,No,No,No,Kerry Bush,,6153765464,KBUSH@BREATHDIAGNOSTICS.COM,Stanley J. Konopka,,6153765464,SKONOPKA@BREATHDIAGNOSTICS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Galactosemia is a potentially lethal, but preventable, disease of newborns. In Phase I of this grant, we demonstrated that a 13C-galactose breath test could be used to assess the degree of impairment of whole body galactose oxidation in more than 90 galactosemic children with a broad spectrum of mutations in the human GALT gene that codes for galactose-l-phosphate uridyltransferase (E C 2 7 7 12). We further demonstrated that this test could be adapted for use in newborn infants with results comparable to those in older children. In Phase II, we will undertake the pre-commercial manufacture and packaging of unit substrate doses for implementation of a field program for secondary screening in the state of Georgia. This program will test the efficacy of outpatient breath testing, using an automated interactive breath collection device and the analysis of breath samples by a new, low-cost mass spectrometer developed for use at the point of care. The results of this crib-side test will be compared with the biochemical and molecular genotyping tests currently used to confirm or deny the diagnosis of infants with an initial positive state-screen test for galactosemia. A rapid assessment of the degree of functional impairment (which is only indirectly predicted from the biochemical and molecular work-up) will enable the physician to differentiate newborns at life-threatening risk from variants of galactosemia before they are exposed to galactose. Implementation of a newly developed 13C-galactose breath test will provide a valuable cost-effective population screening test to measure the degree of impaired galactose metabolism in newborn infants, guide their dietary therapy, and aid in their long-term prognosis."
Gene Expression and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disease,1R41AI053984-01,HHS,HHS,STTR,2003,1,133756.00,"ARTHROCHIP, LLC","ARTHROCHIP, LLC",117 BROMLEY PARK LN,FRANKLIN,TN,37069,No,No,No,Thomas Aune,,6153434208,THOMAS.AUNE@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU,Thomas M. Aune,,6153437353,THOMAS.AUNE@VANDERBILT.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by the applicant): Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, are thought to arise from abnormalities of innate or adaptive immune responses. Autoimmune diseases are often difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be typical of other conditions and quite vague, such as musculoskeletal complaints and pain, headaches or dizziness. No available blood test can accurately exclude the possibility of an autoimmune disease in a subject with these symptoms. At best, a battery of tests and a period of observation are usually required to establish that a patient does in fact have an autoimmune disorder. Thus, a single test that could readily exclude the possibility of an autoimmune disease would allow physicians to focus their efforts on patients who have the greatest likelihood of serious disease. Using microarray technology, we have compared differences in gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among individuals with four distinct autoimmune diseases, normal control individuals before and after immunization, and individuals with other chronic diseases. Surprisingly, we find that each individual with autoimmune disease has a common gene expression signature that is independent of the specific autoimmune disease but is totally distinct from the normal immune response and is not observed in individuals with other chronic diseases. Based upon these observations, we have developed a simple test for excluding the possibility that a subject has an autoimmune disorder. The main advantage of this test is that it is a quicker and more accurate test than those currently available. This test has thus far predicted autoimmune patients from normal patients with 100 percent accuracy. The first goal of this proposal is to collect gene expression data from a sufficient number of individuals to design a test with optimal predictive power. The second goal is to validate the test by examining a cohort of individuals who do not yet carry a clear-cut diagnosis of an autoimmune disease. Long-term goals are to use results from microarray experiments to develop tests that have predictive value for the therapeutic management of individuals with autoimmune diseases. These include tests that classify diseases, predict severity, and predict the best therapeutic options."
Controlling Aerodynamic Surface Flow with Nonthermal Plasma,F33615-03-M-3331,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2003,1,99735.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President,8658034831,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,Alan Wintenberg,Senior Engineer,8655737808,awintenberg@atmosphericglow.com,"The plasma surface flow controllers, or plasma actuators, are based on momentum transfer created by either locally accelerating the charged species of the plasma in the electric field or by globally accelerating the charged species of the plasma via aninduced traveling wave imposed by electric field generated by several phases of applied high voltage. Plasma based surface flow controllers have already been demonstrated to induce vortices, induce flow, increase or decrease aerodynamic drag, and preventor reattach separated airflows. These electrohydrodynamic (EHD) modifications to the aerodynamic boundary layer have been verified by AGT researchers in low-speed wind tunnel testing. In order for the plasma actuator to be utilized on aircraft to modifythe flight performance, i.e., reduce drag or increase attack angles, the surface flow controller's induced surface airflow velocity must be increased by a magnitude of two to five.The primary objective of this research contract is to optimize the performance of the present state-of-the-art non-thermal plasma based surface flow controller. The performance will be optimized by finding the most efficient linear electrode geometry,catalytic surface effects, and power supply features that yield the greatest magnitude in the induced surface velocity of the surface flow controller. The plasma-based flow controller will initially be made available to various aeronautical researchgroups and military research facilities. When optimized, the flow controller will be marketed to commercial aircraft corporations for the reduction of net drag. The power and fuel savings that can be attained by reducing drag on commercial aircraft istremendous."
Eradicating Biofilms with Atmospheric Glow Plasma,2R44DE013892-02A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,2,750370.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-wintenberg,,8657773776,KWINTENB@ATMOSPHERICGLOW.COM,Kimberly K. Kellywintenberg,,8657773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes a novel method of cold sterilization and biofilm destruction of medical and dental materials. The effort will use the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology to attack and destroy biofilms, which cause serious problems on medical and dental instruments and devices. The use of atmospheric plasma to sterilize/decontaminate instrumentation contaminated with biofilms is a new application of a proven baseline technology. The efficacy of the OAUGDP using direct exposure was clearly demonstrated in Phase I studies. In this proposed effort, a remote atmospheric plasma reactor will be optimized to create a flow of concentrated reactive oxidative species (ROS) over 3-D workpieces and a novel direct plamsa delivery system for treating lumened devices. The performance of this reactor will be assessed against mixed species biofilms and in the presence of organic debris. Analytical studies will be undertaken to examine the composition of plasma ROS and any physical or chemical alterations that occur in materials and biological substances."
Eradicating Biofilms with Atmospheric Glow Plasma,2R44DE013892-02A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,0.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-wintenberg,,8657773776,KWINTENB@ATMOSPHERICGLOW.COM,Kimberly K. Kellywintenberg,,8657773776,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes a novel method of cold sterilization and biofilm destruction of medical and dental materials. The effort will use the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology to attack and destroy biofilms, which cause serious problems on medical and dental instruments and devices. The use of atmospheric plasma to sterilize/decontaminate instrumentation contaminated with biofilms is a new application of a proven baseline technology. The efficacy of the OAUGDP using direct exposure was clearly demonstrated in Phase I studies. In this proposed effort, a remote atmospheric plasma reactor will be optimized to create a flow of concentrated reactive oxidative species (ROS) over 3-D workpieces and a novel direct plamsa delivery system for treating lumened devices. The performance of this reactor will be assessed against mixed species biofilms and in the presence of organic debris. Analytical studies will be undertaken to examine the composition of plasma ROS and any physical or chemical alterations that occur in materials and biological substances."
"SNP Detection with Unlabeled, Unamplified Target DNA",2R44HG002404-02,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,2,759216.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Richard A. Hurt,,8654831113,HURT@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of the research project is to further develop the dual hybridization diagnostic genotyping method into a multiplex assay capable of using unlabeled, unamplified DNA as the target. The feasibility of the dual hybridization method was demonstrated in Phase I using amplified targets and single fluorophore labels. All results indicate that the method will transfer easily to a parallel, high sensitivity method using sheared genomic DNA and fluorescent microsphere labels. Current genetic diagnostic tests are expensive and usually only performed for a few specific mutations after adverse symptoms have occurred. The simplicity of this diagnostic test will remove the cost limitation, which currently exists for obtaining large amounts of genetic information, allowing routine diagnostics to be preventative medicine. Particular improvements include: 1) shorter manipulation time and less difficulty performing the procedure (no PCR, sample labeling, or multiple aliquoting is required), 2) reduction of patient sampling (blood, tissue, etc.), and 3) parallel genotyping of SNPs and larger mutations. The method uses a dual hybridization of target molecules. One hybridization event occurs between targeted fragments in the genomic DNA sample and long DNA probes immobilized in an array. The result of this hybridization is a sequence-specific immobilization of target nucleic acids. For example, all alleles of a gene would be localized to one array site. The other hybridization event occurs between the target nucleic acid and short probes of peptide nucleic acid (PNA, a nucleic acid analog) that form stable, highly sequence-specific hybrids with DNA. Each allelic variant has its own PNA probe with a unique label. The types of labels detected at the probe site indicate the alleles present in the patient's genome. This procedure is highly flexible since almost any label can be used. Pooled labeled PNA probes, DNA probe arrays, and possibly buffers and an automated flow cell (capable of maintaining correct temperature and liquid handling) will be sold to the consumer. For Phase II, an array for genotyping SNPs suspected of influencing susceptibility to colon cancer will be designed. This research tool and other custom arrays can be sold for research use until the method can be approved by the FDA for diagnostic use. A major research market for the device would be determining SNP patterns for diseases where massively parallel SNP genotyping must be performed on thousands of patients for each disease."
Inexpensive Genetic Detection of Infectious Organisms,2R44AI049596-02A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,0.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Tom J. Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of the research project is to develop a very inexpensive and rapid capacitance measurement technique that can be used as a diagnostic test to identify specific infectious organisms, their resistance to antimicrobial drugs, and their pathogenicity in a clinical setting. The goal is to make the cost so low that managed health organizations would encourage its use to identify pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics, thus greatly reducing the prescription of antibiotics in cases where they are ineffective, and consequently reducing one source of development of antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria. The proposed diagnostic is based upon capacitance detection of DNA hybridization to probes on an array. In Phase I, we have demonstrated the technique works using both oligonucleotide and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes on coated gold insulators. We have also systematically explored the probe attachment and hybridization chemistry and their relationship to the stability of capacitance measurements on the array. In Phase II, we will continue to improve the chemistry and measurement hardware. We will also develop prototype arrays to detect some of the common pathogens encountered in a clinical setting."
Inexpensive Genetic Detection of Infectious Organisms,2R44AI049596-02A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,2,771941.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Tom J. Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of the research project is to develop a very inexpensive and rapid capacitance measurement technique that can be used as a diagnostic test to identify specific infectious organisms, their resistance to antimicrobial drugs, and their pathogenicity in a clinical setting. The goal is to make the cost so low that managed health organizations would encourage its use to identify pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics, thus greatly reducing the prescription of antibiotics in cases where they are ineffective, and consequently reducing one source of development of antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria. The proposed diagnostic is based upon capacitance detection of DNA hybridization to probes on an array. In Phase I, we have demonstrated the technique works using both oligonucleotide and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes on coated gold insulators. We have also systematically explored the probe attachment and hybridization chemistry and their relationship to the stability of capacitance measurements on the array. In Phase II, we will continue to improve the chemistry and measurement hardware. We will also develop prototype arrays to detect some of the common pathogens encountered in a clinical setting."
Enhancement of Cancer Therapy by Inhibiting NF-kB,1R43CA099340-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,207562.00,"CELTEK BIOSCIENCE, LLC","1515 ELM HILL PIKE, SUITE 104",,NASHVILLE,TN,37210,No,No,No,Ni Li,,6153997010,ADMINISTRATOR@CELTEK-BIOSCIENCE.COM,Yaozhong Lin,,6154038623,LINMTS@EARTHLINK.NET,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):
Our long-term goal is to develop a novel therapeutic treatment of human prostate cancer (PCA) by sensitizing PCA cells to apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or other cytotoxic agents. Conventional therapeutic treatments of PCA, such as surgery and chemotherapy, have received only limited success. This therapeutic deficiency has largely resulted from the resistance of androgen-independent PCA cells to the killing by TNF-alpha and other cytotoxic agents. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) and the anti-apoptotic genes regulated by this transcription factor play a crucial role in the induction of this resistance. Thus, approaches that target NF-kappa B inhibition in vivo may be highly beneficial when combined with standard cancer therapeutics.
The objectives of this Phase I project are to determine whether SN50 and its cyclic analog, small cell-permeable peptides with high inhibitory specificity for NF-kappa B activation, are capable of amplifying the apoptotic activity of TNF-alpha and other cytotoxic agents in human PCA cells. Many studies have convincingly demonstrated that SN50 peptides are highly effective in inhibiting NF-kappa B function in a wide range of biological systems and animal models of disease. In Specific Aim 1, we will examine the inhibitory effects of SN50 peptides on NF-kappa B nuclear translocation in various human PCA cell lines. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Western blotting will detect the inhibition of NF-kappa B nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity. In Specific Aim 2, we will determine if inhibition of NF-kappa B nuclear translocation in PCA cells by SN50 peptides results in an increase in apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha and other cytotoxic agents. Increases in the percentage of PCA cells undergoing apoptosis will be quantitated by AnnexinV binding, which measures specific cell membrane changes, and by TUNEL, which measures DNA fragmentation. The accomplishment of the goals of this study will establish a solid basis for the development of a new class of cancer therapeutics, which can significantly augment the efficacy of conventional PCA therapies."
Transport of Methane Pellets for Advanced Cold Moderators,DE-FG02-03ER83634,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2003,1,99125.00,"Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.",450 Bacon Springs Lane,,Clinton,TN,37716,No,No,No,Christopher A. Foster,,8654355433,cafoster@dellpro.com,Christopher A. Foster,,8654355433,cafoster@dellpro.com,"73071S03-I Existing and planned neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, generate pulses of cold neutrons for materials research. The efficiency of the beam line components, which convert the fast neutrons to a cold neutron beam, determines the usefulness of the facility. Existing solid methane moderators have a high efficiency, but they can¿t be scaled to work on planned high power sources. However, a cold moderator using solid methane pellets should be capable of high power operation, and the technology for producing methane pellets has recently been demonstrated. This project will extend the technology to allow circulation of the pellets into and out of a remote moderator cell. In Phase I, the existing methane pellet machine will be modified to improve the flow characteristics of the pellets, which tend to stick together. The pellets will be sub-cooled to temperatures below 50 K and accumulated in a fluidized bed, capable of rapidly filling a moderator with a charge of pellets. A prototype pellet moderator system will be designed for construction and testing in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Compared to a conventional hydrogen moderator, a methane moderator using this cryogenic pellet technology would double the output of cold neutrons. The pellet technology also could be used for improving commercial dry ice pellet blasting machines."
Rapid Hole Array Drilling Using Laser and Mechanical Processes,FA9451-04-C-0008,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2003,2,746965.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,Vice President of Operati,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"An innovative solution is presented for production of precise through-hole arrays (holes 0.1 to 0.5 mm diameter and 0.5 to 5 mm deep) in hardened metals. Precise hole-arrays are required for a number of military applications. The feasibility of amultiple parallel electrode Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM) process has been demonstrated. The proposed effort outlines further development to refine the hole-array fabrication hardware and method. The proposed fabrication method achieves precisedrilling control and rapid hole-array production through a combination of EDM parallel processing innovations, novel part manipulation and creative inspection processes. The results of the Phase II development and research are a fabrication process andassociated hardware for rapidly producing very precise holes in precisely oriented patterns. Not only will this save a significant amount of money and time for hole array production, but also will result in processes that benefit a number of otherdual-use applications. Initial targeted machine times for hole drilling are 0.1 second for each finished hole or no more than 20 minutes for each 10,000 hole array. This innovation may also dramatically reduce capitalization for companies aiming toproduce accurate micro-holes for the military/defense industry and the micro-fabrication field."
Compact High Specific Power (HSP) Linear Actuator for Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS),N0016703C0062,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2003,1,70000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray E. Johns,V.P. of Operations,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,"MDA has a need for various types of compact, lightweight motorized actuators for use in divert and attitude control systems (DACS) on ballistic missiles. DSM proposes the development of a high specific power (HSP) piezoelectric actuator to command thevalves in such DACS. The proposed actuator makes use of a friction amplification concept to provide extremely high clamping and driving forces. The principal design concept is to use the high power capabilities of PZT stack actuators vibrating at veryhigh frequencies to produce a macro-continuous motion at lower frequency and at much greater stroke than typically possible with PZT transducers. The proposed PZT actuator will provide high power density, high speed actuation, no power hold, low EMIinterference, increased reliability, and potentially a lower cost than current electromagnetic actuators. The proposed HSP actuator system is considered as a viable technology for use as the principal valve driver in divert and attitude control systems.Anticipated benefits include high power density, high speed actuation, no power hold, low EMI interference, increased reliability, and potentially a lower cost than current electromagnetic actuators. One of DSM's commercial customers, ATK Tactical SystemsCompany LLC, has expressed significant interest in the use of this type of motor concept in their DACS designs. Due to the actuator's high power density and efficient operation, it is projected to provide efficient motion for guidance and controlapplications throughout missile systems, airplanes, ships and submarines.DSM believes the proposed technology has significant merit that is substantiated by the interest expressed by Mr. Martin Minthorn (NAWCWD, China Lake, CA), who served as the Technical Monitor for a previous and related BMDO Phase I SBIR, and by theinterest demonstrated by Alliance Techsystems (ATK) for the work proposed in the Phase II proposal that was not awarded."
SBIR Phase I: Piezo-Driven Inertial Stages for UHV,0232923,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,1,99999.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jeffrey Paine,,,,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a piezoelectric motor-drive with Ultra-High-Vacuum (UHV) compatibility for high-speed driving of positioning platforms. The proposed piezoelectric motor-drive will provide an as-yet unrealized combination of several desirable characteristics: nanometer and sub-nanometer precision; speeds in excess of 500 mm/s; drive capacities in the range of 10's of kilograms; and, ranges of travel in excess of 500 mm.
The commercial potential of this concept will provide a revolutionary means for rapid and accurate materials handling for fabrication, inspection, metrology, and packaging of microparts and microsystems."
Precision Robotic Tomography System,DAAE30-03-C-104,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2003,1,119924.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,V.P. Operations,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"The military and its munitions suppliers require an effective means for quality inspection of various types of munitions during production. The use of standard computer tomography scanning (CT scanning) methods, which the military has in place, requiresmunitions to be manually handled and controlled to prevent damage from mishandling and accidental discharge. Carrying munitions through the CT scanning process requires a combination of high force capacity, delicate handling capability, and very accuratepositioning resolution. Robotic arms available for handling the heavy loads (up to 200 lb) have difficulty making careful moves and achieving the required accuracy. DSM proposes a unique combination of accurate robotics, vision-based control, and novelparts-handling concepts to automate the munitions inspection process. DSM's method will enable the careful, rapid and accurate inspection of all types of munitions. Servo-controlled robotics with micron level accuracy and safety concepts for componentscoming in direct contact with the munitions will be used. A part flow-through functionality plan will be developed. A scaled version of the critical carrier interface components and a feasibility concept for components of the generic precision roboticssystems will be developed in Phase I. Precision robotic systems offer the advantage of automating processes that humans are often required to perform. Robotic munitions handling will speed up the munitions production process and reduce the cost tomilitary users. Munitions and other highly energetic materials will be more safely processed and require less human intervention in the inspection process which also increases human safety issues. Finally, this process will enable other CT scanninginspection processes to be done more cheaply and effectively."
Thermochemical Energy Conversion Engine for Electricity Generation,NAS9-03026,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2003,1,69695.00,"Ecotera Energy, Inc.","5340 Millertown Pike, Suite 131",,Knoxville,TN,37924 0213,Yes,No,No,Kimberly Naujock,Business Official,8655882327,kim@ecotera.com,Georg Courville,,8654833520,george@ecotera.com,"NASA is interested in the development of highly advanced systems, subsystems and components to enable future robotic and manned missions. A key requirement for these challenging missions will be the development of high efficiency power conversion systems with increased power density. Ecotera Energy proposes an innovative gas turbine improvement, the Thermochemical Energy Conversion (TEC) engine, which has important advantages for space missions over alternatives. TEC engines use a closed?cycle gas turbine and the unique feature of an active working fluid that reversibly dissociates creating greater expansion through the turbine and recombining prior to compression during each cycle. This results in a reduction in the fraction of turbine power required to turn the compressor and an increase in the heat transfer coefficient compared to recuperators with non-dissociating working fluids. For NASA, these features mean increased energy efficiency (over 45%) and higher power density (500 w/Kg) than existing systems in the same power range, which will reduce mass allocations for electricity generation on space missions. Other advantages of TEC include: easy scaling from a few kWe to MWe; operation with any thermal energy source including methane, hydrogen, solar thermal, and reactor waste heat; enhanced heat rejection; and quiet, hermetically sealed operation."
Filter for Airborne Pathogens and Toxic Liquids,F08637-03-C-6022,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2003,1,100000.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Prakash Kunda,Business Development,4232676266,pkunda@nanospin.com,Jayesh Doshi,"CEO, PI",4232676266,nanofiber@aol.com,"Recent terrorist activities have left virtually no question that futureprotection systems for warriors will need to address chemical-biologicalfiltration. Although filters are presently available for CB threat, thereremains a need for regenerating, signature-less filters that can trapnanoparticulates and biological pollutants. In this context, under Phase IeSpin proposes to provide a feasibility demonstration ofself-regenerating polymer and carbon nanofiber based composite filter. Thefiltration of fine aerosols is benefited by small diameter and high surfacearea material. The application of nanofibers is well suited to addressingthe problems of trapping and neutralizing pollutants.Electrospun nanofibers will be produced and the architecture will be tailoredto achieve the desired filter performance and gas adsorption by varying fiberdiameter and fiber packing fraction within the matrix, as well as activationlevel for optimum performance. The nanofiber surface modification will betailored to generate singlet oxygen to regenerate filter. Carbon nanofibers willabsorb chemical pollutants, while nylon nanofibers are expected to hydrolizethe pollutantAt the end of the Phase I & II of the proposed effort, eSpin will havesuccessfully developed nanofiber based, robust, low cost air filters forfiltering CB compounds.The introduction of nanofibers to filtration presents new economic opportunities as well as the potential for raising the performance standards for the filtration industry. The potential commercial applications of the proposed research is in area of HVAC, clean rooms, large government buildings, aircraft, cruise ships, portableshelters, etc."
SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanofiber Based Supercapacitor,0319743,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,1,99999.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jayesh Doshi,,,,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop activated carbon nano-fiber based ultra-capacitor with ability to store large energy and power density. Super-capacitors are increasingly becoming attractive because of their potential to provide highly reliable peak power but are not notable for energy storage. Achieving this step improvement in energy storage may be judged by a maturing advancement but if successful it would have a major impact on many more business sectors. Under this proposed study, polymer precursor nano-fibers will be produced using an electro-spinning process from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer. PAN nanofibers will be converted to activated carbon nano-fiber with surface area in excess of 3 to 5 times more than the conventional electrode material used in super-capacitors. The nanofiber architecture will be tailored to achieve the desired power and energy performance by varying various process and product properties. This material will be used to build single cell electrode based super-capacitor. Capacitor's capacitance (i.e., energy) is a direct function of available surface area. Carbon nano-fibrous membranes are expected to produce a thin, low-density electrode having low resistivity combined with high surface offering a unique electrode material and super-capacitor.
The development of high power ultra-capacitors has been an important change in the electronics component world. This technology gives equipment designers new capability to manage and more effectively use energy in their products. Any improvement in double-layer capacitor performance will bring more attention to the industry's ultra-capcitor potential. Super-capacitors are candidates for many applications including electric vehicles, consumer and industrial electronics and power tools, power management, etc."
Develop and/or Improve Optical Coating Processes for Military Mirrors,F33615-03-M-4127,DOD,MDA,STTR,2003,1,70000.00,FLEXIAL CORP.,"1483 Gould Drive,",,Cookeville,TN,38506,No,No,No,Roger A. Colglazier,V.P. of Finance,9314321853,rcolglazier@flexial.com,Richard R. Larsen,President,9314321853,rlarsen@flexial.com,"Develop a titanium, welded metal bellows extendable sunshade to deploy over seeker system optics in kinetic kill vehicles and other military missile systems that employ optical tracking. One object of the sunshade is to offer an alternative technology tohelp improve the durability of optical coatings by minimizing thermal gradients on the coatings as would be generated by free airflow across the reflective surfaces following ejection of the protective nosecone in the upper atmosphere. An additionalbenefit to the optical coating is protection from insolation (solar radiation) over a 50% solid angle. Still another benefit of the all metallic sunshade is protection of the optics and sensor, and hardening of associated circuitry from effects nuclearblast energy. A long-term benefit is protection of the optical surfaces from slow outgas or migration of volatile compounds to optical surfaces that occur with organic materials. Use in military observation satellites for shielding from sunlight,moonlight and earth reflections. Use in new space telescopes, providing a compact, collapsible sunshade that can be deployed as needed."
Commercial Development of Stabilized Cellular Diagnostics and Therapeutics to Lessen Logistical Burden on the Battlefield,DAAH0103CR293,DOD,DARPA,STTR,2003,1,98294.00,"Greystone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.","3251 Poplar Avenue, Suite #150",,Memphis,TN,38111,No,No,No,Greg Pilant,President/CEO,9014522395,gpilant@aol.com,Steve Monroe,Principal Investigator,9014522395,shmonroe@greystonemedical.com,"Blood loss of over 30% is a life-threatening condition. Excessive blood loss results in hemorrhagic shock (HS), which is caused by insufficient blood perfusion to vital organs. As HS persists or as additional blood is lost, vital organs fail and thepatient dies. HS causes 20% of all battlefield casualties that could otherwise be saved and, annually, 150,000 civilians in the US die from HS. In life-threatening HS incidents, infusions of whole blood must be administered, often within minutes of injuryor the patient will die.An innovative solution for treating HS involves controlling striated muscle blood flow through muscular contractions that decrease the diameter of blood vessels in muscles, which account for 40% of the body's blood.We have developed an HS therapy that causes striated muscle tissue to contract, greatly reducing blood flow in these muscles and thereby increasing blood flow and pressure to vital organs, such as the brain, thereby offsetting multiple organ failure,permanent damage, and death.In preliminary tests, we induced HS in rats by severing their femoral arteries, then we applied our compound. One dose stops bleeding in minutes and extends the life of rats in severe HS from 40-50 minutes to 210+ minutes. Our HS therapy represents a newmodality for treating HS and shows promise for both battlefield and civilian trauma situations where blood supplies may be limited or not immediately available. The ability to immediately stop bleeding will save thousands of lives each year, reduce overalldemand on blood reserves, provide doctors with more time to operate, and increase the amount of time combat medics and EMTs have to respond to and to transport badly bleeding patients.We intend to seek FDA approval to market our HS therapy as an ethical drug in the US."
Targeted Oncolytic VSV as a Prostate Cancer Therapy,1R41CA103255-01,HHS,HHS,STTR,2003,1,130741.00,"GTX, Inc.","VAN VLEET BLDG, 3RD FL","VAN VLEET BLDG, 3RD FL",Memphis,TN,38163,No,No,No,,,9015239700,,Michael A. Whitt,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Unfortunately there is no cure by standard medical treatment. Therefore, novel treatments for this devastating, common disease are desperately needed. Recent progress in the development of targeted oncolytic viral vectors offer a new strategy to combat advanced prostate cancer. The long-term goals of the research described in this proposal are to develop novel viral therapeutic agents based on recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (rVSVs) that can target prostate tumors in vivo. The general approach involves the production of rVSVs in which the envelope glycoprotein of VSV (VSV-G) is deleted and replaced with a targeting module that results in preferential binding of the virus to prostate tumor cells and subsequent entry into those cells. The first aim will evaluate the prostate-specific infectivity of two different rVSV vectors using several different well-characterized prostate tumor cell lines. The second aim will examine the ability of the vectors to reduce tumor burden in a transgenic, immunocompetent mouse model for prostate cancer. By design, these studies involve a significant amount of technology transfer which will occur between GTx, Inc. and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The immediate goals of this proposal are to obtain preliminary proof-of-principal data on rVSV targeted therapeutic vectors that will allow us to initiate discussions with the FDA in preparation for submission of an IND meeting request. The long-term goals of the research described in this proposal are to develop novel viral therapeutic agents based on recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (rVSVs) that can target prostate tumors in patients."
Microwave-Regenerated Ceramic Diesel Particulate Filter Using a Catalyst-Coated Silicon Carbide Fiber Filter Substrate,68-D-02-072,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2003,1,99168.00,"Industrial Ceramic Solutions, LLC",1010 Commerce Park Drive,Suite I,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,,,,,Richard D. Nixdorf,,8654827552,nixdorfr@indceramicsolns.com,"The proposed research will demonstrate a diesel particulate matter (PM) exhaust aftertreatment technology that exceeds the performance of the catalyzed diesel particle filter (CDPF) technologies currently being tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Using a unique microwave-sensitive silicon carbide fiber filter cartridge, Industrial Ceramic Solutions¿ microwave-regenerated particulate filter (Mw-CDPF) provides active filter cleaning at exhaust temperatures below the catalyst light-off temperatures. Catalyst coating of the fiber filter cartridge then allows the filter to passively destroy particulates, as does the CDPF, at exhaust temperatures above the catalyst reaction temperature (greater than 300¿C. The Mw-CDPF also can be used to restore the catalyst (due to sulfur poisoning) by raising the temperature of the particulate, NOx adsorber, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) catalyst devices to 700¿C on demand. The fiber filter backpressure will be approximately one-fifth that of the current extruded ceramic wall-flow filter technology. This is considered to be a unique, high-risk technology by the diesel automotive industry. The objective of this research is to demonstrate durability and commercial feasibility to that industry.
This demonstration will be accomplished by conducting a 12,000-mile road test on a 7.3-liter diesel vehicle. Federal test procedure cycle exhaust emissions testing will be conducted on a chassis dynamometer at 0, 2,000, 4,000, 8,000, and 10,000 miles to detect any degradation of the filter efficiency during Phase I. Phase I results will be used to solicit the participation of major diesel exhaust aftertreatment suppliers to include the Mw-CDPF in a total PM, NOx, and DOC system to be developed during Phase II. Success of the Phase I and Phase II research projects will lead to an exhaust aftertreatment technology that will be independent of engine exhaust temperatures and diesel fuel sulfur content. This will allow smaller diesel engines, both mobile and stationary, to comply with the EPA 2007 regulations for PM and NOx. It will provide near-term commercial sales to the mining and retrofit applications that do not have technology to meet current air quality standards. Future commercial sales will reach high volumes in the heavy-duty pickup and delivery truck markets. The 60 percent cost reduction over current technologies eventually will move sales into Class 8 large heavy-duty engines."
Large Area Silicon X-Ray Spectrometer,,DOC,NIST,SBIR,2003,1,75000.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,,,,,John Walter,,,,"This project identifies a new approach to silicon x-ray detector technology wherein: (i) the detector geometry is changed to provide a much lower capacitance for a given active area and volume, (ii) the conventional Si(Li) detector is replaced with a stable, oxide-passivated, low leakage-current, deep sensitive-depth, v-type Si element, and (iii) the conventional FET in the preamplifier is replaced with an on-wafer FET with improved high frequency noise. The low capacitance and lower preamplifier noise will allow operation at shorter pulse processing times, which in turn will allow higher operating temperatures and improved count rate capability. This approach, which is compatible with hermetic encapsulation, will provide a rugged, environmentally stable Detector/ASIC amplifier package with improved detection efficiency at both high and low x-ray energies, improved count rate capability, and good energy resolution at higher operating temperatures."
NON-IRRITATING RETINOIDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF AGING,1R43AR049621-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,99000.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,William Purcell,,9015241010,PURCELL@MOLECULARDESIGN.COM,William P. Purcell,,9014540797,PURCELL@MOLECULARDESIGN.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):
Molecular Design International, Inc. (MDI) has designed and synthesized three synthetic retinoids based on the removal of the free carboxylic acid proton and replacement with an ester moiety in 14-all trans retinoic acid (RA), 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis RA) and 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA), respectively. Based on our preliminary studies in the rhinomouse model, one of these agents (MDI-301; the 9-cis RA derivative) has activity in models that predict efficacy in treatment of acne and efficacy in dermal repair. At the same time, this molecule appears to be significantly less irritating than the natural retinoids. The primary goal of the Phase I studies is to extend these preliminary findings with MDI-301 from animal models to preclinical models with human organ-cultured skin. Another important but ancillary goal of the Phase I research is to begin elucidating the cellular and molecular basis for retinoid irritation in the skin. The use of a non-irritating synthetic agent in conjunction with the naturally-occurring analogues should provide significant insight into the mechanisms by which the naturally occurring agents produce irritation.
To achieve the overall objectives of the Phase I studies, we will compare MDI-301 with RA for efficacy (i.e., increased epidermal and dermal proliferation, increased procollagen production and decreased elaboration of matrix metalloproteinases) and for induction of irritation in organ cultures of human skin. Finally, we will utilize the rhinomouse model to examine MDI-403 (13-cis RA derivative) and MDI-101 (RA derivative) for i) reduction of superficial cysts (utriculi) formation, ii) induction of dermal repair and iii) induction of skin irritation. If MDI-301 or either of the other two agents proves to have efficacy without producing irritation, they will provide strong candidates for replacement of currently used retinoids in topical applications."
SBIR Phase II: A New Technology for Rapid Identification of Aluminum Metals,0239055,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,1,0.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,Edward Sommer,,,,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new technology for rapid identification and sorting of aluminum and its alloys from a mixture of non-magnetic metals and will provide a new high quality source of these valuable materials for industrial manufacturing processes. This project plans to complete development of an innovative new optoelectronic sensing method integral to the new technology and then design, construct, and test a near commercial scale prototype metals processing system based upon the new technology. The prototype system will be integrated into an existing pilot plant test facility located on-site at the commercial partner's metals recycling facility and will be tested on metal feed streams derived from an automobile shredder processing line located at the recycling facility. A primary objective is to develop an environmentally friendly computerized dry process which can be situated locally and which can rapidly and cleanly sort aluminum scrap from mixtures of nonmagnetic metals at low cost to replace large, costly, and environmentally burdensome heavy media processes and smelting processes for mixed metals.
The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be to reduce the amount of scrap aluminum alloys that are discarded each year in landfills because recycling of these materials are neither technically nor economically practical. Existing methods of sortation use visual examination and hand sortation, or hand-held/bench-top analyzers that are cumbersome and slow in speed. Heavy media separators and smelting facilities for mixed metals are polluting and expensive to build and operate. Using advanced optoelectronic detection techniques, including computer analysis, the proposed technology will sort aluminum alloys from mixed nonferrous metals automatically at speeds never before attainable. If the approach is successful, the impact to increased scrap utilization, increased scrap value and reduced environmental pollution is enormous. The potential worldwide market exceeds $2 Billion annually."
SBIR Phase II: A New Technology for Rapid Identification of Aluminum Metals,0239055,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,2,500000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,Edward Sommer,,,,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new technology for rapid identification and sorting of aluminum and its alloys from a mixture of non-magnetic metals and will provide a new high quality source of these valuable materials for industrial manufacturing processes. This project plans to complete development of an innovative new optoelectronic sensing method integral to the new technology and then design, construct, and test a near commercial scale prototype metals processing system based upon the new technology. The prototype system will be integrated into an existing pilot plant test facility located on-site at the commercial partner's metals recycling facility and will be tested on metal feed streams derived from an automobile shredder processing line located at the recycling facility. A primary objective is to develop an environmentally friendly computerized dry process which can be situated locally and which can rapidly and cleanly sort aluminum scrap from mixtures of nonmagnetic metals at low cost to replace large, costly, and environmentally burdensome heavy media processes and smelting processes for mixed metals.
The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be to reduce the amount of scrap aluminum alloys that are discarded each year in landfills because recycling of these materials are neither technically nor economically practical. Existing methods of sortation use visual examination and hand sortation, or hand-held/bench-top analyzers that are cumbersome and slow in speed. Heavy media separators and smelting facilities for mixed metals are polluting and expensive to build and operate. Using advanced optoelectronic detection techniques, including computer analysis, the proposed technology will sort aluminum alloys from mixed nonferrous metals automatically at speeds never before attainable. If the approach is successful, the impact to increased scrap utilization, increased scrap value and reduced environmental pollution is enormous. The potential worldwide market exceeds $2 Billion annually."
SBIR Phase I: Computerized Tool for Baggage Screening,0232800,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,1,100000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,Edward Sommer,,,,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is directed at homeland security and will determine the feasibility of developing a computerized tool for airport security checkpoint baggage screening that will assist baggage screeners in x-ray image inspection and which will provide networked electronic communications among security checkpoint personnel. Current baggage screening methods at airport security checkpoints are essentially manual systems that take little advantage of today's computerized technologies, electronic communications, and data networks. The proposed system introduces networked database capabilities to the airport enabling security personnel to analyze and correlate real time and/or historical data on passengers and their baggage throughout the airport and will significantly improve the airport's ability to run smoothly while enhancing safety. With post 9/11 diminishing of consumer confidence, our nation's airports are in search of ways to make the air travel experience as streamlined as possible, so that the day-to-day economics of travel are profitable, and, at the same time, to make the entire system safer thus protecting lives, their investments, and promoting a national grassroots level perception of safety that enhances our lives, our consumer confidence, our economy, and our willingness to travel.
As a software product with a hardware platform that interfaces with existing and new hardware systems being utilized to meet security needs at airports, the proposed technology promises to offer a relatively low cost way to introduce significant improvements to the situation. This technology brings screeners a communications infrastructure to build on each other's knowledge and expertise, and with the addition of such an infrastructure platform to daily processes, to be constantly evaluated on their statistical accuracy. This will improve their performance while also speeding the process of luggage searchers, and thus improve security. The proposed computerized inspection system can be utilized in any of the nations' 429 commercial service airports either directly or through relationships with security consultants and hardware manufacturers. Similarly the technology can be used advantageously in international markets as well."
Improving the Recyclability of Computer Scrap and Other E-Waste,68-D-03-031,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2003,1,70000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,"Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most rapidly growing waste problems worldwide and has reached crisis proportions. The crisis relates not only to quantity, but also to the toxic nature of e-waste. Vast amounts of toxic materials such as lead, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants are contained within the growing mountains of e-waste around the world. The United States has a developing e-waste handling infrastructure that is not yet extensive. There are only a handful of e-waste processors in operation across the country, and many export much of the e-waste materials they receive to Asia, where antiquated techniques are used to extract metals, and the residues are being improperly disposed, creating significant environmental hazards.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a preferred method for handling waste streams such as e-waste is to properly recycle those materials that can be recycled and properly dispose of the residues. It has been established that for recycling to be viable in the long term, the value of the recycled material must provide an economic incentive for recycling. Although plastics are a major constituent of e-waste, the rate at which these plastics are recycled is astonishingly low, a primary reason being the low value of the unsorted commingled material. The objective of this Phase I research project is to determine the feasibility for developing a high-speed automated sorting system for sorting plastics in e-waste streams by polymer type. This would allow recyclers of e-waste to obtain highly pure polymers from their waste streams that then could be sold to manufacturers at a premium price for reintroduction into new products. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of Phase I and Phase II research projects that the application of this technology will improve the economics and recycling rates of e-waste.
National Recovery Technologies, Inc., is a manufacturer of recycling equipment and has received considerable interest in the development of a sorting system for recovering recyclable plastic materials from e-wastes. Due to this interest on the part of recyclers and manufacturers of electronic equipment alike, the proposed technology is expected to have a strong market. Using National Safety Council estimates, it is estimated that there will be almost 7 billion tons of plastics from e-waste available for recycling by the year 2007, representing a potential market value of almost $3.6 billion."
Nanostructured Electrodes and Electrolytes for High,N00014-03-M-0093,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2003,1,99999.00,"OAK RIDGE MICRO-ENERGY, INC.",275 Midway Lane,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,"J. R. Gaines, Jr.",Vice President,8652208886,jr.gaines@oakridgemicro.com,John Bates,Chief Technical Officer,8652208886,john.bates@oakridgemicro.com,"Tin oxide based materials that have been investigated over a number of years as anodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have gravimetric and volumetric capacities of two to four times that of presently used graphite electrodes. However, the largecapacity losses of up to 50 % that occur on the initial charge of these materials has so far precluded their practical application. The objective of this proposal is to develop new nanophase compositions and structures of metal oxides and nitrides thatwill significantly reduce or eliminate the initial capacity loss and lead to the realization of lithium-ion batteries with exceptionally high specific energies and energy densities. The approach is to dope tin and indium oxides and nitrides with Al.During synthesis of these materials, thermodynamics favors the formation of Al2O3 or AlN over SnOx or SnNx with the precipitation of some fraction of the Sn or In as nanoscale particles. The initial formation of the Al2O3 or AlN matrix will reduce thefraction of lithium that is irreversibly lost to formation of Li2O or Li3N on the initial charge step. The properties of the new materials will be investigated by a variety of electrochemical, ion and electron beam, and x-ray techniques. All Li and Li-Ionrechargeable batteries suffer from a significant drop in capacity, which occurs in the first charge/drain/recharge cycle due to an imbalance of the cathode/anode structure. In solid-state batteries this drop can be 40% of the total capacity of the cell.The advanced electrode materials at the focus of this proposal could reduce that fade by as much as 50%. This breakthrough could enable a drastic reduction in form factor for conventional rechargeable batteries resulting in increased performance andmobility of battery powered communications and weaponry systems. Beyond DoD requirements, advanced electrodes could also reduce the recycling burden of rechargeable batteries by as much as 25%."
"Development of Reliable, Segmented Germanium Planar Detector Systems for Nuclear Physics",DE-FG02-03ER83742,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2003,1,99922.00,Phds Co.,3011 Amherst Road,,Knoxville,TN,37921-3713,No,No,No,Richard Pehl,,3609425930,dickpehl@yahoo.com,Richard Pehl,,3609425930,dickpehl@yahoo.com,"72564S03-I The nuclear physics research supported by DOE has a fundamental need for instruments that detect photons (x- and gamma rays). Segmented germanium detectors can provide better position and energy resolution than any other practical detector system. Although no fundamental technical roadblocks should prevent the ultimate production of commercially viable instruments based on segmented germanium detectors, this project will address several detailed technical issues that still must be solved. Phase I will design and fabricate a liquid-nitrogen-cooled variable temperature cryostat; design and fabricate a 10-cm diameter, 12-mm thick germanium orthogonal strip detector; and evaluate the reliability of the cryostat and detector. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: In addition to applications in nuclear physics, segmented germanium detectors should have very widespread commercial applications, with medical imaging likely to be the largest. Other applications include imaging detectors for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Homeland Defense and detectors for gamma ray astrophysics."
SBIR Phase I: The Molecular Comb: A Novel Tool for Protein Analysis on a Chip,0320594,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,1,100000.00,"PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.","PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.",418 South Gay Street,KNOXVILLE,TN,37902,No,No,No,,,,,Gary Sega,,,,"This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel microscale technology to aid researchers in understanding the function of proteins in disease. The Molecular Comb technology, invented at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and exclusively licensed by the company, utilizes semiconductor photoelectrochemistry to transport charged biomolecules inside a channel - less
microfluidic chip. The key innovation of the proposed work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a chemically modified hydrophobic surface gradient in concert with the Molecular Comb biomolecular transport technology to reproducibly separate proteins on the microscale. While many of the tools for protein analysis have been in place for decades, current techniques such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, lack the integration, automation, and speed of analysis required by research scientists. If successfully developed, the Molecular Comb technology has the potential to fulfill this unmet market need by providing substantial performance advantages over competing protein analysis techniques,
including automation, improved data quality, and direct integration with a mass spectrometer.
The commercial application of this project is in the area of protein separation and analysis."
N/A,N43CO031152-000,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,100471.00,"PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.","PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.",418 South Gay Street,KNOXVILLE,TN,37902,No,No,No,,,8659270043,,Michel Goedert,,,,N/A
N/A,N43DA037735-000,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,100000.00,"PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.","PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.",418 South Gay Street,KNOXVILLE,TN,37902,No,No,No,,,8659270043,,Gary A. Sega,,,,N/A
Achievability Control Theory for Supervisory Computer-Human Systems,DAAD19-03-C-003,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2003,1,69579.00,Raven Research Corporation,1950 Mountain View Road,,Lenoir City,TN,37771-0782,No,No,No,John V. Draper,President and Chief Scien,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,John V. Draper,President and Chief Scien,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,"The objective of the proposed project is the development of technology for more efficient and effective human-computer supervision of complex systems. Systems that combine humans and automation in a synergistic or cooperative manner may be termed hybridsystems. Hybrid systems offer advantages over both purely automated systems and purely manual systems in many circumstances. However, future hybrid systems will be even more complex than contemporary ones. This gives rise to a serious need to developmethods for integrating humans more closely-and more efficiently-than is possible now within hybrid systems. We will achieve this by developing Achievability Control Theory (ACT), an innovative extension of Supervisory Control Theory. The ACT approach haspotential to enhance both the efficiency and flexibility of hybrid systems.During Phase I we will provide a proof of concept by developing the formalized control theory necessary to integrate achievability within a supervisory control framework. Specifically, we will consider the special case when a human participates in a hybridsystem. Successful completion of the proposed research will (1) enhance the flexibility and efficiency of future hybrid systems (including battlefield robots), in turn enhancing the mission success rate, robustness, and survivability; (2) support optimalintegration of humans and computer supervisors in future missions; (3) enhance mission planning for hybrid systems, and (4) guide other research and development by identifying problematic areas within particular missions and by identifying problematicfunctions for hybrid systems generally."
Graphical Environmental Tools for Application to Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Arrays,SBAassigned2003DOE2,DOE,DOE,STTR,2003,1,0.00,RIS Corporation,5905 Weisbrook Lane,Suite 101,Knoxville,TN,37909-0129,Yes,No,No,Michael S. Blair,,8655884456,msblair@ris-comp.com,James G. Hnat,,6104892255,jhnat@vortec.org,"Highly segmented, position-sensitive, germanium detector systems are being developed for nuclear physics research where traditional electronic processing with mixed analog and digital function blocks would be enormously complex and costly. Future systems will be constructed using pipelined processing of high-speed digitized signals, as in the telecommunications industry. This project will use digital signal processing concepts and existing graphical system design tools to develop a set of reusable modular functions and tools targeted for the nuclear physics community. Researchers working with complex nuclear detector arrays such as the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking Array (GRETA) will be able to construct data processing concepts through simple graphical interfaces. Software tools were evaluated and acquired in Phase I, and an evaluation platform was constructed to exhibit the real-world performance of algorithms developed for implementation within a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Data processing rates of 100 MHz were successfully demonstrated. Phase II will use the graphical FPGA design tools to develop high speed, real-time algorithms targeted for implementation on multiple channel hardware platforms. A modular library approach will be used to develop and provide a set of nuclear signal processing functions that can be used by the nuclear physics community to generate their own customizable functions."
MAGNETICALLY READABLE MICROARRAY,2R44CA084804-03,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,0.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Sl Chen,,8656712166,SLCHEN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,Val V. Golovlev,,8656712166,GOLOVLEV@AOL.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this research project is to develop a new technology for microarray analysis that has superior performance and is more affordable than the currently available fluorescence-based microarrays. In Phase-I we have provided proof-of-principle for the proposed approach of reading a DNA microarray produced directly on the surface of a computer diskette. With this approach, a modified disk drive of a personal computer can be used as a reader device. Potential applications of this new technology can include: (1) Creating new diagnostic classifications based on gene expression; (2) Discovery of signaling pathways and new targets of therapy; (3) Developing new markers of diseases; (4) Monitoring of treatment response and selection of the most appropriate therapy.
During Phase II, we will produce a commercial prototype of the Magnetic Array System and, after careful evaluation and validation in Phase-II, we will make this system available for commercial production in Phase III. The objectives in Phase II will be achieved through the specific aims established as following: (1) The Magnetic Array System will be optimized by upgrading Array Reader Electronics; by developing a methodology for automated data filtering and quantitative characterization of the quality of the microarray data; and by introducing 3D-linker technology for producing high-performance microarrays in a format compatible with the magnetic array reader. (2) Microarray processing protocols will be finalized and a pilot production of the focused microarrays will be established for applications in cancer research. (3) The performance of the prototype of the Magnetic Array System will be evaluated through collaboration with research groups in academic institutions.
For successful completion of Phase-II, Sci-Tec Inc. has established collaboration with academic institutions and businesses including the Material Analysis Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Medical Center of the University of Tennessee, the E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Link Instruments (Fairfield, NJ), Zylux (Oak Ridge, TN), and Southeast Community Capital, a venture capital company organized to help and assist new technology businesses."
MAGNETICALLY READABLE MICROARRAY,2R44CA084804-03,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,2,971855.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,Sl Chen,,8656712166,SLCHEN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,Val V. Golovlev,,8656712166,GOLOVLEV@AOL.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this research project is to develop a new technology for microarray analysis that has superior performance and is more affordable than the currently available fluorescence-based microarrays. In Phase-I we have provided proof-of-principle for the proposed approach of reading a DNA microarray produced directly on the surface of a computer diskette. With this approach, a modified disk drive of a personal computer can be used as a reader device. Potential applications of this new technology can include: (1) Creating new diagnostic classifications based on gene expression; (2) Discovery of signaling pathways and new targets of therapy; (3) Developing new markers of diseases; (4) Monitoring of treatment response and selection of the most appropriate therapy.
During Phase II, we will produce a commercial prototype of the Magnetic Array System and, after careful evaluation and validation in Phase-II, we will make this system available for commercial production in Phase III. The objectives in Phase II will be achieved through the specific aims established as following: (1) The Magnetic Array System will be optimized by upgrading Array Reader Electronics; by developing a methodology for automated data filtering and quantitative characterization of the quality of the microarray data; and by introducing 3D-linker technology for producing high-performance microarrays in a format compatible with the magnetic array reader. (2) Microarray processing protocols will be finalized and a pilot production of the focused microarrays will be established for applications in cancer research. (3) The performance of the prototype of the Magnetic Array System will be evaluated through collaboration with research groups in academic institutions.
For successful completion of Phase-II, Sci-Tec Inc. has established collaboration with academic institutions and businesses including the Material Analysis Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Medical Center of the University of Tennessee, the E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Link Instruments (Fairfield, NJ), Zylux (Oak Ridge, TN), and Southeast Community Capital, a venture capital company organized to help and assist new technology businesses."
SBIR Phase I: Real-Time Micro-Array Imaging for Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Detection,0318902,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2003,1,99675.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Val Golovlev,,,,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to establish the feasibility of a novel micro-array technology based on measurements of kinetics of hybridization of biopolymer molecules. By measuring kinetics of hybridization in real time, the perfectly and non-perfectly homologous DNA can be distinguished with much higher accuracy than by using conventional micro-arrays. An important innovative component of this technology is the labeling of target DNA by colloidal gold particles that are of the order of hundreds of nanometers in diameter. This labeling technique significantly increases the detection sensitivity and can be implemented using a very inexpensive detection system. Prior work has shown that the use of gold particles can increase the speed of hybridization to allow complete analysis in minutes, whereas conventional micro-array protocols require many hours. The proposed system is advantageous for many micro-array applications, including screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), when high hybridization specificity is required, and performing express micro-array analysis during time-critical medical procedures such as surgery.
The commercial applications of this project include drug screening, nucleic acid identification and sequencing, single base mutation screening, and gene expression analysis. The increasing applications of micro-arrays in medical research will create additional opportunities for introducing the proposed technology into routine clinical practice."
BIOELECTRONIC MICROARRAY FOR DNA ANALYSIS,1R43GM066465-01A1,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2003,1,99478.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,S. Chen,,8656712166,SLCHEN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,Val V. Golovlev,,8656712166,GOLOVLEV@AOL.COM,"In this project, we propose a new detection technology for identification of oligonucleotides, which works by detecting a bio-electronic response from hybridized duplexes. Compared with the conventional approach of using dye tagged oligos, the proposed electrochemical detector has significant advantages. Electrochemical sensing can be implemented using relatively simple equipment. Analysis can be performed in solution. In the proposed approach, no tagging of target molecules is required. When fully developed, highly integrated electronic chips, previously developed for imaging applications, can be modified and can be used as a new generation of inexpensive, disposable, electrochemical DNA microarray sensors."
Disposable MEMS Single-Chip Chemical and Biological Sensor,M67854-03-C-5004,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2003,1,69962.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W.w. Workman,Director of Operations,8655319150,tti@vic.com,W.r. Lawrence,Senior Research Scientist,8655319150,tti@TeslaTechInc.com,"We propose to develop and demonstrate an innovative, real-time sensor technology capable of detecting and identifying a variety of chemicals and biologicals. Our goal is to develop a recently demonstrated photothermal micro-spectroscopy technique into asingle chip architecture. The technique has previously been successful for demonstrations on a bench-top scale in detecting various chemicals (chem warfare simulants, explosives, etc) and very recently in the detection of biologicals (anthrax simulantbacterial spores and DNA bases). There are no insurmountable fundamental principal or technological hurdle in miniaturizing this technique to the chip scale. In fact some aspect of the approach will actually be enhanced at these scales. In thisapproach we use microcantilever thermal detectors that has a detection sensitivity of ~10-15 J for heat energy. This unprecedented sensitivity can be utilized to detect the presence of target species with a very high sensitivity and selectivity. Thusthe source, thermal detector array, IR waveguide and associated readout and signal processing electronics will all be collocated on the same chip. This approach can produce an extremely low cost (disposable) sensor if produces in large quantities that ishighly capable since it is modeled on a recently developed laboratory instrument. Military and commercial employment of rapid chemical and biological sensing has distinct advantages over conventional technology in terms of speed, size, performance andcost. There are numerous application were the fast detection times are desirable. The development of efficient, reliable and cost effective devices will enhance DOD mission capability and have vast commercial spin-offs."
Prediction of Creep Fatigue Interaction for Turbine Engine Components,F33615-03-M-5212,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2003,1,99996.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Lorenz Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,Lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"The VAATE Durability Focus Area mission is to make high performance turbine engine technology affordable to the user through proactive development of advanced technologies to prevent component failure, increase engine life & reliability, enhancereparability and reduce costs for improved warfighter effectiveness. Of particular consideration under VAATE I will be future requirements for long range strike aircraft. These aircraft will fly at mach 2-4 cruise capability, have 30% increased missionradius and 3 times sortie generation rate, and will be required to have fast response to time critical targets. Under high temperature, mechanical creep can affect material grain boundaries such that fatigue occurs. Creep induced fatigue is a lessunderstood, unique and somewhat unpredictable failure mechanism. In order to meet VAATE affordability goals, physics-based software must be developed to predict creep-fatigue affects in order to avoid conventional total accumulated cycle (TAC)-based lifingand high operational costs. The proposed project will demonstrate feasibility for developing probabilistic, physics-based prediction software for thermo-mechanical failure (TMF). Phase I will focus on creep-fatigue damage interaction. Based on analysisof F100 and F110 data, it is estimated that 75-85% of unscheduled removals are due to durability and subsystem issues. The proposed technology will help enable accomplishment of established VAATE durability goals: double component life; reduce repair costby 30%; and reduce development time by 25%."
Electronic Power Supplies Prognosis Using Material Modeling and Simulation,N68335-04-C-0086,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2003,1,69997.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,Power supply failure can result in immediate JSF system shutdown. Power supply systems are highly susceptible to failure due to the high voltage and current conditions they routinely operate in. Mechanical system prognosis can take advantage ofconventional fault signals to be used as advanced indication of failure. Unfortunately these electronic systems do not display conventional fault signals prior to failure. JSF operational reliability could be greatly enhanced by ensuring power supplyperformance in fielded systems. Power supply prognosis would allow for component or subcomponent change-out as maintenance for cause. JSF OEMs have expressed interest in the possibility of using predicted material degradation of the electronic systemelements as a means for simulated fault detection. A power supply system is made up of component elements which can be further subdivided into component elements based on specific material characteristics. Predicted degradation within any single orcombination of component elements can be rolled up into an overall reliability prediction for the entire JSF power supply system. This SBIR will identify means for power supply prognosis using material-based system reliability analysis. The Phase I willfocus in on a particular JSF OEM power supply component failure concern.
"Airframe Construction for Small, Expendable Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)",N41756-02-M-2030,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2002,1,69956.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Aaron Harcrow,Principal Investigator,4238944646,aharcrow@accurate-automation.com,"""Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) proposes to develop a Precision Molded Foam(PMF) method that combines features of precision molding, foam injection and vacuumbagging. This method promises to be low cost, to be scalable to high production rate,to require very little touch labor for finished parts and to provide a high degree ofdimensional precision. With this method, small ("
Flight Test Development of the X43A-LS Reusable Launch Vehicle,NAS1-02075,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,Business Official,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Christopher S. Gibson,Principal Investigator,4238944646,cgibson@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation proposes a three-pronged effort to build on the Phase I program to develop technologies in support of the NASA Hyper-X program and the X-43 series of research vehicles (X-43A, X-43B, and X-43C). The data and technologies developed under the proposed Phase II program will also support the development and testing of future hypersonic vehicles and reusable launch vehicles. The three major technical objectives of the Phase II program are: 1) Development of a robust, fully nonlinear parameter identification method and associated tools for extraction of dynamic models from flight test data, while rigorously accounting for both process (state) and measurement noise. 2) Development of an adaptive guidance and navigation control system for the development of optimal flight trajectories for hypersonic vehicles including reusable launch vehicles. 3) Development of a low-speed flight test database for the X-43 configuration by conducting envelope expansion flight tests to quantify the performance and handling qualities of AAC?s X-43A-LS UAV."
A Distributed Guidance And Control System For Satellite Constellations,NAS5-02109,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,2,599992.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba Pap,Business Official,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,James C. Neidhoefer,Principal Investigator,4238944646,jneidhoe@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation has developed a distributed adaptive guidance and control architecture for minimum Delta-V formation flying of satellite constellations. The innovation in this approach is that it is an extremely streamlined solution to a very difficult guidance and control problem. The guidance module of the proposed architecture is built around a simulation of a system of particles whose motion is a result of attractive and repulsive forces generated through simulated potential fields. Desirable characteristics of the guidance system are: 1) that a large number of satellites, starting at some initial conditions, can move amongst themselves to some desired final conditions with a guarantee that undesirable interactions between individual satellites will not occur, 2) that the path taken by each individual satellite can be achieved using minimum Delta-V, and 3) that the guidance system is distributed. In order to guarantee stability for the satellite constellation as a whole, we designed a distributed satellite control module with a specifiable convergence rate. This in combination with our ability to specify the convergence rate of the guidance module, allows us to ensure that each satellite will stay within a certain distance of its commanded path (tracking error has a known bound)."
A Distributed Guidance And Control System For Satellite Constellations,NAS5-02109,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Reba Pap,Business Official,4238944646,rpap@accurate-automation.com,James C. Neidhoefer,Principal Investigator,4238944646,jneidhoe@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation has developed a distributed adaptive guidance and control architecture for minimum Delta-V formation flying of satellite constellations. The innovation in this approach is that it is an extremely streamlined solution to a very difficult guidance and control problem. The guidance module of the proposed architecture is built around a simulation of a system of particles whose motion is a result of attractive and repulsive forces generated through simulated potential fields. Desirable characteristics of the guidance system are: 1) that a large number of satellites, starting at some initial conditions, can move amongst themselves to some desired final conditions with a guarantee that undesirable interactions between individual satellites will not occur, 2) that the path taken by each individual satellite can be achieved using minimum Delta-V, and 3) that the guidance system is distributed. In order to guarantee stability for the satellite constellation as a whole, we designed a distributed satellite control module with a specifiable convergence rate. This in combination with our ability to specify the convergence rate of the guidance module, allows us to ensure that each satellite will stay within a certain distance of its commanded path (tracking error has a known bound)."
"Very Low Noise, High Efficiency Propeller Designs for Small UAVs",N00178-02-C-3081,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Vinod Sharma,Principal Investigator,4238944646,vsharma@accurate-automation.com,"""The objective of this proposal is to develop low noise propellers for application in a UAV concept called SWARM. We propose a combined effort of theoretical and experimental studies to be fully responsive to the need of the SWARM program. AccurateAutomation Corporation (AAC) offers a comprehensive approach to design and manufacture a propeller that reduces the noise by 12dBA with respect to the commercially available propeller for similar thrust requirements. There is an uncompromising need forquiet operation of the UAVs to minimize detection by listening devices. The noise generated by a propeller must be lowered to make it consistent with the remaining components, such as exhaust, of a propulsion system. AAC is uniquely positioned to expandthe propeller design experience gained during the Gun Launched Observation Vehicle program under Navy (NSWC) supervision. As an optional task, we offer to conduct extensive testing and refinement of our propeller. During the follow-on phases, AACproposes to study the acoustic noise suppression due to unsteady pressures generated by propeller blade vibrations. Shunted piezoelectric actuators strategically embedded in the blades will be considered for blade vibration suppression in the Phase II andIII of this program. AAC has an outstanding record in the UAV development arena. We have integrated from propellers to small turbo-jet engines in our UAVs. The quiet propeller is a critical compo"
Real-Time Aerospace Diagnostics Toolkit,NAS4-02002,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,1,68380.00,"Active Parallel Instrumentation, Inc",2506 W. Linden Ave,,Nashville,TN,37212 0522,No,No,No,Ted Bapty,Business Official,6153863878,bapty@home.com,Jason Scott,Senior Engineer,6153863878,scottjasonm@home.com,"API proposes to develop a comprehensive toolkit for the construction of real-time diagnostics of aerospace systems. The toolkit includes modular ruggedized hardware components, based upon a COTS design, scalable from 400MFLOPS to 40 GFLOPS or more. Hermetically sealed, thermal managed processors in a small form factor will enable installation in hostile, confined spaces.A software tool, based upon API?s system integration tool, will permit rapid specification of several aspects of diagnostics tasks, including signal extraction, analysis, statistical analysis, and diagnostics logic. Designs will be specified in a format compatible with diagnostics experts, requiring little knowledge of DSP or real-time systems. A library of software components will enable rapid assembly of diagnostics systems, with the tool synthesizing the required real-time code.The concepts will be illustrated with several demonstration applications."
The Commercial Viability of Excavator: A Software Tool for Gene Expression Data Clustering,DE-FG02-02ER83365,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,1,99840.00,"Apocom, Inc.",11020 Solway School Road,Suite 101,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Robin D. Zimmer,70677,8659276120,robzimmer@apocom.com,Robin D. Zimmer,,8659276120,robzimmer@apocom.com,"70677 The use of microarrays is rapidly expanding as a tool to support gene functionality and expression studies. However, these microarrays, which can now accommodate tens of thousands of genes in a single experiment, are spewing out a tidal wave of data that is causing a bottleneck to progress in biomedicine. The development of software tools and algorithms for mining these valuable data is lagging behind the instrumentation used to generate them. This project will further develop and enhance a software package for mining and managing these data, leading to the rapid and efficient clustering of genes and the prediction of those with similar functions. Phase I will identify features or aspects of the existing software package that need to be enhanced, so as to maximize the impact on the management of huge gene expression data bases. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The overwhelming amount of data is the most critical limiting factor to growth in the field of genomics and biomedicine. Until these data can be efficiently managed and analyzed, medical breakthroughs will be stifled and genomics will fail to fulfill its promise. This software should allow potential commercial users to analyze, mine, and manage their expression data more efficiently and accurately."
Identification of the Species Responsible for Biological Inactivation in the OAUGDP,F49620-02-C-0049,DOD,USAF,STTR,2002,1,99790.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Sharon Draper,CFO,8655737808,sdraper@a-gtech.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President,8655737808,kwintenb@a-gtech.com,"""Atmospheric Glow Technologies (AGT) proposes to initiate studies to elucidate the mechanism of inactivation of microorganisms using atmospheric plasma. In this Phase I work effort, AGT will identify and quantify the active species generated by the APD-210(Atmospheric Plasma Decon-210). The APD-210 has been independently shown to inactivate a number of different microorganisms including anthrax by convecting active species to the downstream sample. AGT will use a sophisticated Hiden Analytical HPR-60 MassSpectrometer with a triple filtered quadrupole, a molecular beam inlet, and a selectable electron energy source. Futhermore, the photon emissions will be measured using a UV/Vis Spectrometer. Using the spectra obtained from within the plasma and in theplasma exhaust, identification and concentration of the active species will be determined. AGT's versatile Atmospheric Plasma Decontamination System will initally be marketed to the military as a means to rapidly decontaminate large frame aircraft andassoicated cargo. To date, there are 588 fixed military facilities; of these, 250 are considered major installations. Recent terrorist events have demonstrated the vulnerability of the United States to biological and chemical threats. It is evident thatan effective response to any large scale attack will mandate the rapid mobilization of emergency responders particularly at the local level. Consequently, a secondary market will be the First Response Teams located throughout the United States directed toimplement immediate countermeasures in the event of terrorist attacks. Upon further development and improvements in manufacturing approach, the APD System will be marketed industrially, where it will have applications in cleaning chemical spills as wellas cleaning industrial equipment against biological contaminants. Specific markets may include hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and food processing plants."""
Reducing Diesel Soot With an Atmospheric Plasma Metallic Filter,68D02050,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2002,1,0.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,,,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,,,,"Most buses, heavy-duty fleet vehicles, and construction and farm machinery are equipped with diesel engines. The diesel engine is an energy-efficient machine, but its exhaust emissions present a serious health and environmental problem. Drastic reductions in exhaust soot have been mandated throughout the world, including the recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate to reduce smog-causing nitrogen oxides from these vehicles by 95 percent, and particulate matter (PM) by 90 percent. EPA proposes a PM emissions standard for new heavy-duty engines of 0.01 grams per brake-horsepower-hour in engine model year 2007. Soot emissions would be reduced by 110,000 tons each year when implemented. Current control technologies, such as catalytic converters, alternative fuels, and advanced diesel engine combustion systems are only partially effective in controlling the soot generated from diesel engines. Most of today's filter-based technologies experience high operational backpressures, causing unfavorable fuel consumption. The key to the acceptability of barrier filters for diesel exhaust is the ability of the filter to be regenerated, or cleared of trapped particles, so that the exhaust backpressure remains low. Atmospheric Glow Technologies resolved the inadequacy of filter regeneration by developing the Regenerative Plasma Filter (RPF) System. A metallic porous filter collects 90 percent of the soot from the diesel exhaust, which subsequently is oxidized with periodic exposures of the patented One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP). The molecular radicals produced by the plasma oxidize the captured soot at the ambient temperature of the exhaust stream (40-150 C), providing a safe means of filter regeneration at low energy costs without the need for catalysts or fuel additives. In Phase II, a full-scale commercial prototype will treat the entire exhaust stream from a 2.0 L diesel engine. The pressure drop across the filter and the mass distribution of penetrating particles will be measured. In addition, NOx, SOx, CO, and O3 concentrations will be measured to determine if secondary pollutants are generated. In 2010, the world market for motor vehicle exhaust emissions control technologies is expected to approach $72.3 billion. Approximately 330,600 heavy-duty diesel powered vehicles is are produced each year. Initial market entry estimates 5 percent, or 16,350, of these vehicles could be fitted with the RPF System, with a 20 percent market share 5 years out."
Reducing Diesel Soot With an Atmospheric Plasma Metallic Filter,68D02050,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2002,2,224580.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,,,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,,,,"Most buses, heavy-duty fleet vehicles, and construction and farm machinery are equipped with diesel engines. The diesel engine is an energy-efficient machine, but its exhaust emissions present a serious health and environmental problem. Drastic reductions in exhaust soot have been mandated throughout the world, including the recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate to reduce smog-causing nitrogen oxides from these vehicles by 95 percent, and particulate matter (PM) by 90 percent. EPA proposes a PM emissions standard for new heavy-duty engines of 0.01 grams per brake-horsepower-hour in engine model year 2007. Soot emissions would be reduced by 110,000 tons each year when implemented. Current control technologies, such as catalytic converters, alternative fuels, and advanced diesel engine combustion systems are only partially effective in controlling the soot generated from diesel engines. Most of today's filter-based technologies experience high operational backpressures, causing unfavorable fuel consumption. The key to the acceptability of barrier filters for diesel exhaust is the ability of the filter to be regenerated, or cleared of trapped particles, so that the exhaust backpressure remains low. Atmospheric Glow Technologies resolved the inadequacy of filter regeneration by developing the Regenerative Plasma Filter (RPF) System. A metallic porous filter collects 90 percent of the soot from the diesel exhaust, which subsequently is oxidized with periodic exposures of the patented One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP). The molecular radicals produced by the plasma oxidize the captured soot at the ambient temperature of the exhaust stream (40-150 C), providing a safe means of filter regeneration at low energy costs without the need for catalysts or fuel additives. In Phase II, a full-scale commercial prototype will treat the entire exhaust stream from a 2.0 L diesel engine. The pressure drop across the filter and the mass distribution of penetrating particles will be measured. In addition, NOx, SOx, CO, and O3 concentrations will be measured to determine if secondary pollutants are generated. In 2010, the world market for motor vehicle exhaust emissions control technologies is expected to approach $72.3 billion. Approximately 330,600 heavy-duty diesel powered vehicles is are produced each year. Initial market entry estimates 5 percent, or 16,350, of these vehicles could be fitted with the RPF System, with a 20 percent market share 5 years out."
RNA-Based Microbial Community Structure Determination,DE-FG02-02ER83370,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,1,99997.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom J. Whitaker,70524,8654831113,whitaker@atom-sci-com,Richard A. Hurt,,8654831113,hurt@atom-sci.com,"70524 In order to predict the bioremediation rate and ecological impact of contaminated sites, a rapid method to determine the microbial community structure is needed. Current approaches are time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive. Microarray gene probe technology exhibits extraordinary potential; however, difficulties specific to the application of this technology to ribosomal gene sequences has retarded advancement. This project will develop a two-step process in which a thermal-cycling program to label target recognition oligodeoxynucleotides (trODNs) by repeated single-base extension reactions is followed by a process for the resolution of the labeled reaction products (by competitive hybridization to an array of immobilized probes). Phase I will demonstrate that the trODNs can be selectively labeled using single-base extension reactions. The extent of probe labeling will be shown to be directly related to the number of template molecules present in the labeling reaction. It also will be shown that the technique will reduce problems associated with ribosomal nucleic acid secondary structures, which make the quantitative description of microbial community structure based on ribosomal sequences intractable. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should serve as an essential component of environmental microbial community structure analysis, contributing to our understanding of the general ecology of microorganisms in contaminated sites, subsurface soils and sediments, gastrointestinal tracts, and other environments. The principle could also be extended to pathogen detection in a clinical environment, epidemiological investigation, or used to identify bio-terrorism agents."
"SNP DETECTION WITH UNLABELED, UNAMPLIFIED TARGET DNA",1R43HG002404-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2002,1,99427.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Tom Whitaker,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Wanda L. White,,8654831113,WHITE@ATOM-SCI.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of the proposed project is to develop an analytical tool for large-scale detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in unlabeled, unamplified genomic or pooled nucleic acid samples. A dual hybridization utilizing a labeled, peptide nucleic acid (PNA, a nucleic acid analog) probe and an immobilized DNA probe will be performed. This innovative approach utilizes a long DNA probe to uniquely select the region of DNA near a specific gene and a short PNA probe that allows SNP identification. This simple method for SNP detection could be used in medical clinics for identifying disease causing mutations, such as human coagulation factor V Leiden, and in laboratories to study allele frequency and construct genetic maps. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: This simple method for SNP detection would gain widespread acceptance in clinics for identifying genetic diseases and in laboratories to study allele frequency and construct genetic maps. Atom Sciences plans to market inexpensive kits that would use this technology."
DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR PERIODONTAL BONE LOSS,1R43DE014810-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2002,1,181946.00,"BIOMIMETIC PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.","BIOMIMETIC PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.",1616 WESTGATE CIR,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027,No,No,No,Samuel Lynch,,6155955030,SL@BIOMIMETICS.COM,Samuel E. Lynch,,6158441280,SL@BIOMIMETICS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. A major limitation in the clinical management of patients susceptible to periodontal disease is the inability to detect active alveolar bone loss. Currently, the clinician diagnoses periodontitis based upon historical measures such as radiographs and probing pocket depths. The major shortcoming of using these measures is that they do not predict future disease activity. Recent advances in the diagnosis of metabolic skeletal disorders have lead to the investigation of biomarkers of periodontal alveolar bone loss. A class of bone collagen degradative by-products termed pyridinoline crosslinks (Pyds) are promising indicators of active bone resorption. We have demonstrated that Pyds have great potential as diagnostic aids for periodontal and pen-implant bone loss. To date, there is no simple method to detect Pyds in patients with periodontitis. In our research plan we propose the development of a test that can provide a ""real-time"" assessment of periodontal disease activity. Our Specific Aims in this Phase I application are: 1) to develop a rapid ""chairside"" immunoassay for the detection of Pyds (both deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) and C-telopeptide pyridinoline crosslink of Type I Collagen (ICTP)); and 2) to determine the ability of the chairside diagnostic test to discriminate between periodontal health and periodontitis cross-sectionally. This Phase I investigation if successful would lead to a Phase II application that would apply this rapid test to determine the diagnostic ability of Pyds to predict oral bone loss in a multicenter longitudinal study of patients susceptible to periodontal disease."
Rapid Hole Array Drilling Using Laser and Mechanical Processes,F29601-02-C-0122,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2002,1,99703.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"""An innovative solution is proposed for production of precise hole arrays in metals and other materials. To create arrays of holes on the order of 0.1 to 0.5 mm diameter and 0.5 to 5 mm deep, DSM proposes a combination of high peak-power lasers and veryprecise and accurate part manipulation. ""Pico and femto-second"" lasers with very short pulse duration and very high rep-rates produce streams of high intensity energy pulses that excel at micro-drilling of metals. A critical requirement for precisedrilling and cutting is the avoidance of heat dissipation and the loss of concentrated energy at the ablation site. With the ability to deposit the energy at very short intervals and high rep-rates, heat dissipation can be minimized. By attempting theprecise drilling of sample materials with a number of laser sources, an effective combination of laser wavelength, pulse duration and rep-rate will be determined. A novel part handling and precision manipulation platform will be used to achieve precisedrilling control and correct for any laser beam quality errors (taper and/or non-circularity errors). Finally, Phase I will demonstrate the ability to rapidly position and process the part to achieve desired hole production throughput. Precisionmicro-machining and micro-processing of materials is an increasingly important tool for the production of MEMS, biomedical devices, photonics components, and precision apertures. The ability to accurate"
"Fast-acting, Compact, Piezoelectric Actuator for Control of Mini-Interceptor",DASG6002P0025,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Murray Johns,V.P. Operations,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,"President, Chief Manager",6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"""Missile defense could benefit from miniature interceptor technology to handle difficult countermeasure problems and to be able to intercept multiple objects. Reduction in size, mass, and cost of the interceptor compels a new design for projectile steeringcomponents. DSM identified a potential steering actuator system for mini-interceptor platforms while working with ATK. The steering system is dependent on compact, lightweight, high bandwidth, actuators to control the divert thruster components. DSMproposes a novel control concept using solid-state actuator for controlling hot-gas valves that enable rapid trajectory manipulation. The configuration requires a novel piezoelectric actuator driven fast-acting valve. Able to fully open and close at over500 Hz, the fast moving actuator enables rapid dithering of the hot-gas valves to adequately control the interceptor trajectory. DSM proposes to estimate and predict the actuator system's dynamic and transient impulse characteristics using finite elementanalysis techniques and modeling processes. Based on the estimated response and system requirements from ATK, the proposed concept will be designed. DSM will build Phase I prototypes of the actuator system and the hot-gas valve system for evaluation andtesting at ATK in the Phase II program. The actuator technology that will result from the SBIR development will be valuable to the motion control market. DSM will advance the Phase"
High Power Rotary Actuator for Kinetic Energy Weapons,N68936-01-C-0050,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2002,1,65000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,Marc N. Samuelson,Project Engineer,6155956665,msamuelson@dynamic-structures.com,"""Proposed is the design and development of a high power rotary piezoelectric driveninchworm actuator. The design is essentially an inchworm motor, but it takesadvantage of a novel clamping mechanism to provide very high levels of output force.The clamping mechanism designed by DSM allows the actuator to capitalize on the veryhigh power to weight ratio available in piezoelectric actuators. The simplicity ofthe design allows for very high actuation frequencies without excitation ofundesirable modes, producing smooth macro-motion through an arc. The motor alsoallows micro-motion between steps, for very precise positioning. The proposed motorwill have a power to weight ratio far exceeding current electro-magnetic devices,without the hoses, compressors, and other complicated hardware associated withhydraulic and pneumatic devices. Due to the nature of the inchworm concept, theactuator will have very high startup torque, and eliminate the need for gear trainsand clutch devices. The proposed actuator will have the torque and velocity toreplace current hydraulic and pneumatic systems in aerospace vehicles with fly-by-wire configurations.The proposed piezoelectric rotary actuator will have the force and speed capabilitiesto directly compete with current hydraulic and pneumatic systems for aero-surfaceand thrust vector controls. In addition to replacing heavily geared electromagneticmotors, the actuator will be useful in robotics, and ot"
FLIGHT WEIGHT MAGNETS USING CARBON NANOTUBES,NAS8-02102,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,John Lineberry,Business Official,9313934500,jlberry@edge.net,James N. Chapman,Principal Investigator,9313934500,jchapman@cafes.net,"The motivation for the Phase I effort to use carbon nanotubes for application to magnets in space was based on published reports that their current carrying capacity was 10,000 times that of other superconductors and that their mechanical strength was 100 times that of steel on a mass basis. In phase I, we investigated the properties of this amazing new material and concluded the original premise was substantially correct, although some details remain to be investigated and a whole new suite of tools and machinery are required. In Phase II, we are proposing to advance this technology to the point of winding a nanotube magnet coil, testing it and delivering it to NASA/MSFC. The main thrusts of the program include some more definitive measurements of superconducting properties as a function of temperature, magnetic field and mechanical strain. In parallel efforts, tools will be developed to wind the carbon nanotube coils, attach electrical leads to them and test their performance. We will update the conceptual design for a NASA magnet for an MHD disk generator using carbon nanotube conductors and perform sufficient economic analyses to determine the economic feasibility of this application of carbon nanotubes."
FLIGHT WEIGHT MAGNETS USING CARBON NANOTUBES,NAS8-02102,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,2,599999.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,John Lineberry,Business Official,9313934500,jlberry@edge.net,James N. Chapman,Principal Investigator,9313934500,jchapman@cafes.net,"The motivation for the Phase I effort to use carbon nanotubes for application to magnets in space was based on published reports that their current carrying capacity was 10,000 times that of other superconductors and that their mechanical strength was 100 times that of steel on a mass basis. In phase I, we investigated the properties of this amazing new material and concluded the original premise was substantially correct, although some details remain to be investigated and a whole new suite of tools and machinery are required. In Phase II, we are proposing to advance this technology to the point of winding a nanotube magnet coil, testing it and delivering it to NASA/MSFC. The main thrusts of the program include some more definitive measurements of superconducting properties as a function of temperature, magnetic field and mechanical strain. In parallel efforts, tools will be developed to wind the carbon nanotube coils, attach electrical leads to them and test their performance. We will update the conceptual design for a NASA magnet for an MHD disk generator using carbon nanotube conductors and perform sufficient economic analyses to determine the economic feasibility of this application of carbon nanotubes."
Beamed Energy Driven MHD Chemical Rocket Motor for Advanced Space Propulsion,NAS8-01147,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,John Lineberry,Business Official,9313934500,jlberry@edge.net,John Lineberry,Principal Investigator,9313934500,jlberry@edge.net,"Use of an orbiting power station to beam microwave energy to spacecraft to assist propulsion is under study by NASA. One idea is that this station could beam intense power to a Mars vehicle in LEO to rapidly accelerate it for boost to planetary trajectory. The vehicle would not be burdened with fuel load enabling higher acceleration and terminal velocity thus reducing mission times.This SBIR explores use of an MHD Chemical Rocket Motor (MCRM) for the interplanetary vehicle. The rocket motor fires and its products stream passes through an MHD accelerator prior to nozzle exhausting. The stream is seeded with alkali metal to produce a plasma. The MHD accelerator electrical drives/augments the rocket stream through action of Lorentz forces with the input electric power being supplied by beamed energy (microwaves, laser) through rectennas. The MCRM can dramatically enhance Isp ( 2,000 to 3,000 sec range achievable in a small accelerator). These Isp levels can yield ?g? level accelerations making the orbit-boost-to-escape mission plausible.Phase I feasibility study will be concluded to qualify the MCRM for this mission. Design trade-offs will be accomplished to optimize its configuration. Phase I will outline an experimental program for MCRM development in Phase II."
Development of High Surface Area Material and Filter Media,68D02021,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2002,1,69995.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jayesh Doshi,,,,"The 21st century has begun with the promise of nanotechnology, which is expected to harness novel properties of materials and unique features of phenomena at the nanometer scale. This is likely to lead to significant breakthroughs that will have major implications for environmental protection. Thus, nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation of significant commercial platforms. In this context, this project focuses on providing a feasibility demonstration of producing nonwoven webs of electrospun nanofibers at a commercial scale for specific environmental applications. The applications targeted are those that require the use of such webs as high surface area material or as filtration media. These applications are well suited to address the problems of adsorbing gaseous pollutants (where high surface area of nanowebs is very attractive) or filtering particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent gases or liquids economically (where superior efficiency of nanowebs in capturing submicron particles is very attractive). Alternatively, such filters will increase the particle-loading capacity of the filters, or reduce the pressure drop for a variety of filtration end uses. Initially, the nanofibers will be electrospun from a solution of polyacrylonitrile in dimethylformamide in the form of a nonwoven mat. This mat then will be further processed to convert it into activated carbon fiber NanoFilter media. The web architecture will be tailored to achieve the desired filter performance and gas adsorption by varying fiber diameter, fiber orientation, fiber-packing fraction within the nanoweb, activation level, and nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out by eSpin Technologies¿a small, high-technology start-up company based in Chattanooga, TN, that and specializes in providing custom-made electrospun nanofibers¿in collaboration with academic centers and major corporations. Together, this group possesses the skills and facilities needed to successfully conduct the work under this project. At the end of the Phase I and Phase II efforts, eSpin will have successfully developed nanofiber-based high surface area NanoFilters made from activated carbon for the removal of gaseous pollutants. With the active collaboration of eSpin's partners, these products will be commercialized in the United States and in the international marketplace. Apart from providing technology leadership to U.S. companies, the proposed effort also will help fulfill the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in improving the quality of air and water."
SBIR/STTR Phase II: Development of High Efficiency NanoFilter Media,,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2002,1,0.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jayesh Doshi,,4232676265,nanofiber@aol.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will demonstrate using a prototype design the commercial feasibility of electrospinning to produce nanofibers. Nanofibers will be combined with conventional filter media to form a novel NanoFilter media for liquid and air filtration applications. These applications have been shown to remove particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent streams with superior filtering efficiency and attractive cost potential. The acrylic nanofibers will be electrospun as a nanoweb directly on to a conventional support (filter media) substrate. The web will be combined with a protective cover layer to form a sandwich structure, which will be collected as a roll. The filter will be easily tailored to achieve the desired composite filter performance by varying architecture: substrates, nanofiber diameter, nanoweb density, and the nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out collaboratively with academic centers and major corporations as its strategic partners. Nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation for a significant commercial platform. Commercial applications in a variety of filtration processes such as: high-end industrial raw material purification, biological separations, ultra pure air and water systems, hospital clean rooms, agriculture and food industries filters, and microelectronic industries next generation clean environment needs are anticipated."
SBIR/STTR Phase II: Development of High Efficiency NanoFilter Media,,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2002,2,499999.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jayesh Doshi,,4232676265,nanofiber@aol.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will demonstrate using a prototype design the commercial feasibility of electrospinning to produce nanofibers. Nanofibers will be combined with conventional filter media to form a novel NanoFilter media for liquid and air filtration applications. These applications have been shown to remove particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent streams with superior filtering efficiency and attractive cost potential. The acrylic nanofibers will be electrospun as a nanoweb directly on to a conventional support (filter media) substrate. The web will be combined with a protective cover layer to form a sandwich structure, which will be collected as a roll. The filter will be easily tailored to achieve the desired composite filter performance by varying architecture: substrates, nanofiber diameter, nanoweb density, and the nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out collaboratively with academic centers and major corporations as its strategic partners. Nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation for a significant commercial platform. Commercial applications in a variety of filtration processes such as: high-end industrial raw material purification, biological separations, ultra pure air and water systems, hospital clean rooms, agriculture and food industries filters, and microelectronic industries next generation clean environment needs are anticipated."
SBIR/sttr Phase I: Electrostatic Based Adhesion Test for Thin Films,,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2002,1,100000.00,"Fast Forward Devices, LLC",11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,37931,No,No,No,,,,,Barry Lucas,,8659273000,blucas@ffdevices.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel, electrostatic based metrology solution that has the potential of being developed into a rapid and quantitative test of interfacial adhesion for the semiconductor industry. The portion of a semiconductor device that carries logic signals between the transistors on a chip is commonly known as the Back-End-of-the-Line (BEOL). The BEOL typically consists of, among other components, current carrying metal lines surrounded by an insulating or low-dielectric constant (low-k) material. To keep increasing chip performance at the current pace, it will be necessary to replace the current dense insulators with a porous low-k material. Interface adhesion between porous low-k and the various other layers in the BEOL is known to be poor and extremely problematic during integration. The semiconductor industry faces a significant barrier to further progress, because a rapid and quantifiable test to assess interfacial adhesion does not currently exist. The principle of the technique is to use a normal tensile force created by an electrostatic field to delaminate thin films from their underlying layers. This is a unique undertaking with regards to adhesion testing and reflects a revolutionary shift in how adhesion tests will be conducted if successful.
The economic benefit to the industry will be achieved by reducing the time to market and improving yield. If interfacial adhesion can be monitored rapidly and quantifiably, the effects of varying process parameters (deposition, etch, pre-treatments) on film-adhesion can be quantified in a greatly shortened time reducing the length of the process development and R&D phase. This would lead to shorter times to market, increased productivity, and may increase market share for early adopters of the technology in the US."
Validation and numerical testing of turbine augmentors combustion computational modeling,F40600-02-C-0007,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2002,2,600142.00,Flow Integration & Control System,1 Clairemont Circle,,Tullahoma,TN,37388 0485,No,No,No,Ahmad D. Vakili,Chief Manager,9313937343,fics@charter.net,Ahmad D. Vakili,Professor,9313937343,fics@charter.net,"""This proposed Phase II modeling effort is designed to improve the accuracy of numerical predictions of military gas turbine augmentors through a coordinated program of physics-based modeling improvements within the selected, state-of-the-art ComputationalFluid Dynamics (CFD) flow solver (named FP-Augmentor), and a concurrent test program to provide essential validation data for key models. The major modeling tasks will include implementation of efficient chemistry models for jet fuels, validations, andapplications to predict flow in high-performance gas turbine augmentors, using geometry and flow information provided by AEDC and turbine manufacturer organizations. The major experimental task includes the testing of a single spray bar, representative ofconfigurations currently in use in industry, and the detailed measurement of cold flow spray droplet characteristics as measured using advanced optical instruments for local velocity and droplet diameter data. Limited combustion experiments will beconducted with the spray bar, in the year two of this study."""
MICROSPECT/CT FOR SMALL ANIMAL MOLECULAR IMAGING,1R43CA094370-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2002,1,99986.00,"IMTEK, INC.","IMTEK, INC.",3200 NYNATI AVE,KNOXVILLE,TN,37922,No,No,No,Michael Paulus,,8655210607,PAULUSMJ@IMTEKINC.COM,Michael J. Paulus,,8655210607,PAULUSMJ@IMTEKINC.COM,"A new dual-modality (SPECT/x-ray CT) three-dimensional imaging system to quantitatively map the distribution of tumor-specific radiolabeled molecules in small animal models and to register that distribution with high resolution anatomic image data is proposed. The proposed system will employ a new high-resolution, high sensitivity detector design and a new iterative SPECT reconstruction algorithm. The reconstruction algorithm will exploit the availability of a co-registered x-ray CT data set for attenuation correction. In the Phase I feasibility study, a prototype detector and multi-channel readout electronics will be developed and. incorporated into a bench-top prototype microSPECT scanner. The prototype microSPECT scanner will be used in conjunction with existing microCT scanners for dual-modality studies of test phantoms and mouse models. Quantitative microSPECT images will be compared with traditional pharmacokinetic data to evaluate the technology and guide the Phase II development. The ultimate goal of this Phase I/Phase II effort is to develop and commercialize an easy-to-use high-resolution dual-modality imaging system for preclinical development and evaluation of cancer imaging and therapy compounds."
CHAOTIC ADVECTION CHAMBER FOR DNA ARRAY HYBRIDIZATIONS,1R43CA094601-01,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2002,1,103453.00,"MICROARRAYS, INC.","MICROARRAYS, INC.","2014 BROADWAY, STE 260",NASHVILLE,TN,37203,No,No,No,Rick Haselton,,6153275495,HASELTON@MICROARRAYS.COM,Joel A. Peek,,6153275495,JPEEK@MICROARRAYS.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): DNA microarrays and other massively parallel screening technologies are redefining the approach to discovery in
biomedical research. The use of small sample volumes in these techniques
presents unique challenges and opportunities for design of novel uniform mixing
technologies. Typical DNA microarray analysis often discards up to 99 percent
of the data obtained, limiting results to only the largest changes in
hybridization signals that can be reliably detected with the current
technology. One of the reasons for this is inadequate design of the
hybridization chamber itself. Slide-coverslip hybridization methods in current
use rely on diffusion to uniformly deliver target DNA to the complete set of
probe spots across the array. A simple examination of the diffusion
characteristics of these solutions suggests that this will produce wide
variations in target DNA delivery and similar variations in the hybridization
data of these experiments. Novel designs are proposed to achieve a more uniform
mixing of the target DNA in the small volumes required for these experimental
designs. In phase I of this project, these designs will be evaluated and
optimized for DNA microarray hybridizations."
SBIR Phase I: Feasibility assesment for Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus fumigatus ELISA kits,,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2002,1,52565.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,,,,,Yvette M. Piceno,,8655738188,yvette.piceno@microbe.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will investigate a biotechnological approach to rapidly detect two notorious toxin-producing fungi. Indoor fungal growth related to water leaks and floods can induce a variety of disease symptoms. The presence of some fungi, like Stachybotrys chartarum , can cause severe morbidity. Unfortunately, the detection of harmful fungi, like Stachybotrys, has been hampered by inadequate methods. The proposed research will determine the feasibility of developing a rapid detection method for toxigenic fungi that could be used at any test site. The primary objective of this research is to isolate a diffusible spore molecule from S. chartarum spores and one from A. fumigatus spores for the development of an antibody-based detection kit. The molecules will be extracted in saline solution to mimic diffusion into lung linings and used for polyclonal antibody development. If successful, the
antigens will be used for monoclonal antibody development in a Phase II project. This will allow for the development of a rapid, on-site testing kit to detect potentially dangerous fungal organisms quickly and inexpensively.
The commercial application of this project will be in the area of diagnostics linked to human health and animal health."
NANOBIOREACTOR FOR MONITORING SMALL CELL POPULATIONS,1R43RR016124-01A2,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2002,1,400000.00,"NANODELIVERY, INC.","NANODELIVERY, INC.",1032 ELMSHADE LN,NASHVILLE,TN,37211,No,No,No,Stanley Myatt,,6152599084,,Ales Prokop,,6153433515,ALES.PROKOP@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant)We will develop microminiaturized cell-culture environments, i.e., NanoLiter BioReactors (NBR) for growing and maintaining populations of I to 100 cultured mammalian cells in volumes three orders of magnitude smaller than in standard multi-well screening plates. This would reduce the time required for diffusive mixing, thermal equilibrium, and for cells to grow to confluence; simplify accurate cell counting; minimize required volumes of expensive pharmaceuticals or toxins; and allow thousands of culture chambers on a single instrumented chip. Our long-term goal is to develop a new class of miniature, automated cell-based bioanalyzer arrays for monitoring the immediate environment of multiple cell lines and assaying the effects of drug or toxin exposure. This proposal would develop a NBR that detects cellular responses, provides appropriate control signals, and makes closed-loop adjustments of the environment (in Phase II), e.g., by adjusting temperature, pH, ionic concentrations, or by applying another drug or a selective toxin antidote. To characterize in a nonspecific manner the metabolic activity of cells, the biosensor elements of the NBR will include an isothermal picocalorimeter to monitor heat response, and planar pH, dissolved oxygen and redox potential sensors. We will demonstrate short-term and long-term cultivation of several mammalian cell lines and monitor their response to test substances. The proposed technique will enable automated, parallel and multiphasic monitoring of multiple cell lines for drug and toxicology screening.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The unique capabilities of this technology would allow analysis of nonspecific responses to an unknown insult. It can lead to massively parallel screening of pharmaceuticals, toxins and other stresses. Once converted into a fully automated system and data analysis and data reduction algorithms are fully developed (in Phase II), this equipment could be readily commercialized, and sold to pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, and environmental monitoring services."
A Process for Online Quality Control of Recycled Plastic Flake,68D02057,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2002,1,0.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,Edward Sommer,,,,N/A
A Process for Online Quality Control of Recycled Plastic Flake,68D02057,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2002,2,225000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,Edward Sommer,,,,N/A
SBIR/STTR Phase I: A New Technology for Rapid Identification of Aluminum Metals,,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2002,1,100000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,,,Edward Sommer,,6157346400,nrtinfo@nrt-inc.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the technical feasibility for applying a new innovative sensing technology to rapidly identify and sort aluminum metals from other non-magnetic metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, and non-magnetic stainless steels commonly found in scrap metals, particularly metals derived from automobile shredder facilities. The objective will be to develop an environmentally friendly computerized dry process which can be situated locally and which can rapidly and cleanly sort aluminum scrap from mixtures of nonmagnetic metals at low cost. This technology will replace the large, costly, and environmentally burdensome heavy media process that is current used.
The commercial applications for this technology will be sorting of aluminum from automobile shredders. This technology will significantly reduce the environmental impact of sending these materials to landfills. The materials recovered can be recycled and sold back to industry."
Sol-Gel Derived Neutron Detector Using a Lithiated Glass,DE-FG02-01ER83224,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,2,747840.00,"Neutron Sciences, Inc.",1256 Lovell View Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932 0259,No,No,No,Andrew Stephan,65837,8655230775,astephan@utk.edu,Steven Wallace,,8659666446,truassayist1@aol.com,"65837 The efficient detection of neutrons over a large area of several square meters is required to allow the goals of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) to be achieved. This project will develop a large area, position-sensitive neutron detector for the SNS, based upon manufacturing a solid film that contains both scintillating and neutron absorbing material. In Phase I, two organic and eight inorganic scintillators were identified as having the short fluorescence, "
Sol-Gel Derived Neutron Detector Using a Lithiated Glass,DE-FG02-01ER83224,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,1,0.00,"Neutron Sciences, Inc.",1256 Lovell View Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932 0259,No,No,No,Andrew Stephan,65837,8655230775,astephan@utk.edu,Steven Wallace,,8659666446,truassayist1@aol.com,"65837 The efficient detection of neutrons over a large area of several square meters is required to allow the goals of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) to be achieved. This project will develop a large area, position-sensitive neutron detector for the SNS, based upon manufacturing a solid film that contains both scintillating and neutron absorbing material. In Phase I, two organic and eight inorganic scintillators were identified as having the short fluorescence, "
Pixel-Cell Neutron Detector and Read-Out System Meeting Requirements of Present and Future Neutron Scattering Facilities,DE-FG02-01ER83248,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,1,0.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,65491,8654838675,dkopp@ordela.com,Manfred K. Kopp,,8654838675,mkopp@ordela.com,"65491 Currently available position-sensitive neutron detectors limit the full utilization of beam power and resolution capabilities of existing and proposed steady-state and pulsed neutron scattering facilities used in materials research. To remove these limitations, this project will develop neutron detectors using a novel pixel-cell design in a modular configuration. The self-contained detector modules will be grouped into versatile, large-area detector arrays of customized size and resolution. In Phase I, solutions to basic design and fabrication problems with pixel-cell detector modules were found; demonstration modules were developed and tested; and connector plates, interfaces, and the electronic systems architecture also were developed. In Phase II, the basic concepts will be expanded, necessary production facilities for manufacturing a line of detector modules will be developed and built, prototypic microcircuits will be fabricated, and full scale evaluation modules will be built. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The modular pixel-cell detector technology should find immediate application at existing or future neutron scattering facilities. Not only does this open a significant market worldwide, but also greatly enhances the utilization of power and resolution capabilities of these facilities, which are currently limited by the characteristics of existing neutron detectors."
Pixel-Cell Neutron Detector and Read-Out System Meeting Requirements of Present and Future Neutron Scattering Facilities,DE-FG02-01ER83248,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,2,748883.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,65491,8654838675,dkopp@ordela.com,Manfred K. Kopp,,8654838675,mkopp@ordela.com,"65491 Currently available position-sensitive neutron detectors limit the full utilization of beam power and resolution capabilities of existing and proposed steady-state and pulsed neutron scattering facilities used in materials research. To remove these limitations, this project will develop neutron detectors using a novel pixel-cell design in a modular configuration. The self-contained detector modules will be grouped into versatile, large-area detector arrays of customized size and resolution. In Phase I, solutions to basic design and fabrication problems with pixel-cell detector modules were found; demonstration modules were developed and tested; and connector plates, interfaces, and the electronic systems architecture also were developed. In Phase II, the basic concepts will be expanded, necessary production facilities for manufacturing a line of detector modules will be developed and built, prototypic microcircuits will be fabricated, and full scale evaluation modules will be built. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The modular pixel-cell detector technology should find immediate application at existing or future neutron scattering facilities. Not only does this open a significant market worldwide, but also greatly enhances the utilization of power and resolution capabilities of these facilities, which are currently limited by the characteristics of existing neutron detectors."
A Hand-Held MEMS Sensor for Characterizing the RCRA Metals in Water,NAS13-02011,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2002,1,70000.00,"PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.","PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.",418 South Gay Street,KNOXVILLE,TN,37902,No,No,No,Chuck Witkowski,Business Official,8656860700,Qgenics@earthlink.net,Rufus Ritchie,Vice-President of Research,8656860700,Qgenics@earthlink.net,"This SBIR project will test the feasibility of developing a hand-held microcantilever array sensor to detect and quantify the presence of hazardous Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) metals in water. The sensor would consist of an array of specially prepared microcantilevers integrated onto a microcircuit. Binding and mass adsorption generate measurable defection and resonance frequency changes in the microcantilevers for superior sensitivity and selectivity. The objective of the Phase I work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a microcantilever-based array to identify and quantify mercury compounds (Hg) under solution with superior time response, limit of detection, and cost relative to currently available compatible sensors. This objective is to be achieved by constructing a working bench top detection system consisting of an array of specially prepared microcantilevers."
Advanced Manipulator Control through Human Movement-Based Quickening,DE-FG02-02ER83504,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,1,76638.00,Raven Research Corporation,1950 Mountain View Road,,Lenoir City,TN,37771-0782,No,No,No,John Draper,70203,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,John V. Draper,,8659861166,draperjv@bellsouth.net,"70203 This project will enhance the efficiency of remote operations of DOE Environmental Management (EM) missions by providing algorithms, based on human movement science, for quickening remote operations with telerobots. The algorithms will render telerobot control more efficient by allowing the robot to respond more quickly to user inputs. To accomplish this objective, a physiological model of human trajectory production will be integrated with kinematic models of robotic manipulators. In addition, the control algorithms will permit model based anticipation of user motion commands based on human neurophysiological principles. Phase I will develop software for the simulation of symbiotic human-robot movements. First, a one-degree-of-freedom human joint simulation will be developed, including a one-degree-of-freedom robot link, and then the one-degree-of-freedom model will be extended to include multiple degrees-of-freedom. The software will serve as a basis for development of control algorithms during Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The software algorithms should support the operation and design of robots with greater efficiency at all levels of control (teleoperation, telerobotics, and supervisory control), leading to further advantages of robotic systems over manual alternatives for EM missions."
Graphical Environmental Tools for Application to Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Arrays,DE-FG02-02ER86146,DOE,DOE,STTR,2002,1,100000.00,RIS Corporation,5905 Weisbrook Lane,Suite 101,Knoxville,TN,37909-0129,Yes,No,No,Michael S. Blair,,8655884456,msblair@ris-corp.com,Richard A. Todd,,8655884456,rtodd@ris-corp.com,"70408 Highly segmented, position-sensitive germanium detector systems are being developed for nuclear physics research where traditional electronic processing with mixed analog and digital function blocks would be enormously complex and costly. Future systems will be constructed using pipelined processing of high-speed digitized signals, as in the telecommunications industry. This project will use digital signal processing concepts and existing graphical system design tools to develop a set of reusable modular functions and tools targeted for the nuclear physics community. Researchers working with complex nuclear detector arrays such as the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking Array (GRETA) will be able to construct data processing concepts through simple graphical interfaces. Phase I includes the modeling of complex nuclear pulse processing functions; test, evaluation, and adaptation of a graphical environment toolset to implement these data acquisition functions; and embodiment of representative functions within field programmable gate arrays. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Successful implementation of nuclear-physics-specific functions should be immediately applicable to related fields requiring real time analysis of digitized streams of data. Interest would extend to chemical analysis, medical instrumentation, environmental monitoring, imaging, ultrasonics and astronomy."
MICROARRY SYSTEM FOR PROTEIN SCREENING,N43ES025492-000,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2002,1,99663.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,,,8655606375,,Val Golovlev,,,,N/A
Measurement of Residual Stresses in Difficult Locations,F09650-02-C-0517,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2002,2,748054.00,TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY CORP.,10737 Lexington Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932-0329,No,No,No,Carol Bailey,Vice President,8659665856,cbailey@tec-usa.com,Beth Matlock,Senior Materials Engineer,8659665856,bmatlock@tec-usa.com,"The Air Force identified measuring stresses in hard-to-access locations as a major concern. Detrimental stresses in these locations lead to expensive loss of use, inspection and repair costs, and potential loss of aircraft and personnel.X-Ray diffraction--a proven technique for measuring stresses--has been taken from the laboratory to field use on large structures. However, current systems do not permit measurements in hard-to-access locations.TEC has successfully reduced the measurement head to fit inside a 6-inch diameter hole and obtain the correct stresses in aluminum. TEC proposes to reduce the measurement head to approximately 4 inches and measure stresses in aluminum, ferritic/martensiticsteels, and titanium alloys. Elements are in place for successfully measuring austenitic steels and nickel, provided a miniature manganese x-ray tube is obtainable.The ultimate goal is to produce a hand-carried, rugged, low-power consumption instrument that can correctly measure stresses in difficult-to-access locations. Emphasis will be on power requirements, personnel safety, measurement speed, data availability,ease of use and data interpretation.The proposed instrument should result in significant maintenance savings and has commercial applications to virtually all industries relying on common engineering alloys for safety-related functions."
Dynamically Tunable Photonic Bandgap Crystal Components,F49620-02-C-0068,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2002,1,69601.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W.w. Workman,Director of Operations,8655319150,tti@TeslaTechInc.com,W.r. Lawrence,Research Scientist,8655319150,ttt@vic.com,"""Periodic photonic bandgap crystal (PBC) structures channel electromagnetic waves much as semiconductors/quantum wells channel electrons. PBCs are fabricated by arranging sub-wavelength alternating materials with high and low dielectric constants to producea desired effective bandgap. Photons with energy within this bandgap cannot propagate through the structure. This property has made these structures useful for microwave applications such as frequency-selective surfaces, narrowband filters, and antennasubstrates when the dimensions are on the order of millimeters. They are also potentially very useful, albeit much more difficult to fabricate, in the visible/infrared region for various applications when the dimensions of the substrate range from 40 nm to4000 nm. We intend to micro-fabricate suspended free standing micro-structure substrates with dimensions from 2 to 100 micrometers in length. Extremely high resonance (~ 10 GHz) frequencies are possible with very small dimension MEMS. Nanoscale periodicstructures would be fabricated onto these micro-structuresubstrates to form a tunable system. If this combined structure is perturbed, such asmechanical deflection of the suspended composite structure at resonance, there will be a substantial and realtime shift in the material effective bandgap due to the periodicity alteration. This active device capability would present numerous applicationsin the opto-electronic /integrated optic fie"
Chemical Sensor Based on Micromechanical Systems,DATM03-02-C-0004,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2002,1,69962.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W.w. Workman,Director of Operations,8655319150,tti@TeslaTechInc.com,W.r. Lawrence,Senior Research Scientist,8655319150,TTI@TeslaTechInc.com,"""We propose to develop a novel type of miniature chemical sensor utilizing very recent developments in microcantilevers. Sensors based on this technology will be up to 100 times smaller, considerably more sensitive, and less expensive than currentlyavailable chemical sensors. Microcantilevers that are 50-200 Â¿m long, 10-40 Â¿m wide, and 0.3-4 Â¿m thick and possessing resonance frequencies in the range 10-300 kHz, have recently been used in scanning force microscopy to detect extremely small changes inforce in the range of 10-12-10-9 N. The resonance frequency and bending of the microcantilever varies reproducibly and sensitively due to adsorption of molecules on the cantilever surfaces making it an ideal chemical sensor with picogram sensitivity andparts per billion detection. Preliminary detection studies, have demonstrated detection of ppb of chemicals, Simultaneous bending measurements resulted in a sensitivity of 0.6 pg/mV. The recyclability of the chemical sensor will be demonstrated byremoving the adsorbed chemical by heating of the sensor element. We also plan to demonstrate that the sensor can be vibrated in liquid environments with a good Q-factors, allowing it to be used to detect the presence of chemicals in liquid environments.Parasitic interferences can be accounted for by using reference microcantilevers, arrays of differentially coated sensors, thermal desorption rates and/or filters. Additionally, due to the extre"
Doppler Laser Radar for Non-Intrusive Liquid Metal Flow Characterization,DE-FG02-01ER83338,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,1,0.00,"Think Tank, Inc.",405 Moser Lane,,Knoxville,TN,37922-0406,No,Yes,No,Madhavan M. Menon,65128,8659666200,,Madhavan M. Menon,,8659666200,,"65128 Flowing liquid metals are being investigated as heat removal surfaces in fusion reactors. This project will develop non-invasive diagnostics using Doppler laser radar to study the flow characteristics of these systems, (including film thickness, velocity, and instabilities) under fusion operating conditions. In Phase I, a conceptual design of the Doppler laser radar was completed, and plans were made to design and build a prototype device in Phase II in collaboration with a manufacturing company involved in laser radar technology. The prototype device will be tested to assure that all specified requirements are satisfied, and the commercialization potential of the device will be evaluated for different (fusion as well as non-fusion) applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In fusion research, the technique should have application to the non-intrusive precision measurement of plasma facing surfaces (liquid as well as solid). The ability to simultaneously measure position as well as velocity of targets, remotely and precisely, also should find application in such areas as material processing, production lines, as well as in situations with harsh environments."
Doppler Laser Radar for Non-Intrusive Liquid Metal Flow Characterization,DE-FG02-01ER83338,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2002,2,743883.00,"Think Tank, Inc.",405 Moser Lane,,Knoxville,TN,37922-0406,No,Yes,No,Madhavan M. Menon,65128,8659666200,,Madhavan M. Menon,,8659666200,,"65128 Flowing liquid metals are being investigated as heat removal surfaces in fusion reactors. This project will develop non-invasive diagnostics using Doppler laser radar to study the flow characteristics of these systems, (including film thickness, velocity, and instabilities) under fusion operating conditions. In Phase I, a conceptual design of the Doppler laser radar was completed, and plans were made to design and build a prototype device in Phase II in collaboration with a manufacturing company involved in laser radar technology. The prototype device will be tested to assure that all specified requirements are satisfied, and the commercialization potential of the device will be evaluated for different (fusion as well as non-fusion) applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In fusion research, the technique should have application to the non-intrusive precision measurement of plasma facing surfaces (liquid as well as solid). The ability to simultaneously measure position as well as velocity of targets, remotely and precisely, also should find application in such areas as material processing, production lines, as well as in situations with harsh environments."
BIONIC BAROREFLEX SYSTEM FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL,1R41AG019576-01A1,HHS,HHS,STTR,2002,1,147075.00,TK TX COMPANY,TK TX COMPANY,"3200 WEST END AVE, STE 500",NASHVILLE,TN,37203,No,No,No,Arlene Stecenko,,6157831600,ARLENE.STECENKO@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU,Andre Diedrich,,6157831717,ANDRE.DIEDRICH@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU,"Patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder, suffer from orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension and supine hypertension. Hypotension causes presyncopal symptoms usually within seconds of standing and requires the patient to sit or lie down to prevent syncope. Supine hypertension reduces leep quality through excessive nocturnal diuresis, and results in blood volume loss during the night, which aggravates orthostatic hypotension during the day. New strategies of treatments are required which take into account this cycling between hypertension and hypotension. Recent studies in our laboratory have yielded the unexpected observation that sympathetic activity is present in MSA, but is not subject to normal control mechanisms. This sympathetic activity produces inappropriate supine hypertension, but is not able to prevent the profound orthostatic hypotension. The identification of residual sympathetic activity in MSA has important implications for new therapeutic approaches. We hypothesize that a ionic baroreflex system based on electrical epidural spinal stimulation will help to replace the missing control of sympathetic activity by the vasomotor center. Preliminary data in animals showed that such a system maintained blood pressure during orthostatic stress. The purpose of this grant proposal is to search for an effective and practical bionic baroreflex ystem for patients with MSA and baroreflex failure. First, we will develop a prototype bionic baroreflex control system using baroreflex-denervated rats. Then, the system will be applied to control artificially, the muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients who already have an epidural electrical stimulator in place for the control of chronic pain. A Phase II study would involve studies in animals and in patients with MSA to determine the long-term efficacy of the bionic baroreflex system in improving blood pressure control."
Multi-Manipulator Telerobotic Task Space Automation,DE-FG02-02ER86147,DOE,DOE,STTR,2002,1,99996.00,TPG Applied Technology,10330 Technology Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932-0334,No,Yes,No,Barry L. Burks,,8652188705,blburks@tpgat.com,David P. Vesco,,8652188708,dvesco@tpgat.com,"70730 Many deactivation and decommissioning, tank remediation, and waste processing tasks will require remote manipulation to reduce worker exposures. Most remote operations can be performed more effectively with two or more arms rather than with a single manipulator even if one of the arms is a simple mechanical system such as a crane hook. Coordinated control of these multiple manipulation systems is required to increase effectiveness and efficiency. This project will develop a sensor based control system that will provide automated coarse positioning of multiple arms in coordinated motions within a task space. In this approach, the final positioning and operation of tools for task execution will be performed remotely by human operators for tasks such as grasping, cutting, waste retrieval, sorting or characterization. Phase I will determine the sensor enhancements and software medications required to extend a previously demonstrated single robot task scene analyzer to control multiple manipulator systems performing a coordinated task. Input from field experienced personnel will be used to identify tasks that could be performed more effectively with multiple arms, and tooling requirements will be determined for each arm. A laboratory scale feasibility demonstration will be conducted. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The sensor package and control system would be developed as a product that could interface with most common manipulator control systems. This product could be used by single or multiple manipulator systems to reduce operator effort to position manipulator tools."
"On-board, Prognostic Micro-Structural Reliability Tool for Mechanical Systems",DAAH01-02-C-R196,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2002,2,374966.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Technology for extending the life of fielded systems offers the potential for signification saving in total ownershipcosts. On-board monitoring and analysis offers the potential to instill increased confidence in prediction of fatigue or remaining usefullife on an individual system basis. This, in turn, offers the potential to reduce premature part retirement. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility for future use of an on-board microstructural-based prognostic system. Expanding on establishedsynergies with a pending DARPA/DSO Tractability Demonstration Program (TDP), the SBIR Phase II will allow VEXTEC the opportunity to demonstrate the prognostic capability on a simulated engine disk component and validate the prediction results with acquiredtest data. Also this Phase II will further address logistical concerns about the quality of data supplied by onboard sensors, data reliability, pre-processing or filtering requirements. This project includes development of a parameter measurement system,refinements to physics-based life prediction models, conduct of prognostics demonstration, and results evaluation."
"Composite Design Tool for Predicting Performance, Reliability and Cost as Integrated Functions",DASG60-02-P-0150,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2002,1,69993.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Lorenz Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Eng,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"""The commercial sector is developing stronger, lighter, and cheaper materials for use in structural applications. However it needs to be verified that the use of these materials will enhance missile defense systems reliability. Engineers generally do nothave a significant amount of data relative to the reliability of the design until an extensive amount of testing is conducted. Very often, even in the aerospace world, product reliability is not completely understood with certainty until well after theproduct has been put into the field. A convention design method to ensure increased product reliability (without specific knowledge about critical reliability driving design parameters) is to attempt to limit manufacturing imperfections globally byimplementing strict manufacturing tolerances.This SBIR will develop a structural design tool for evaluating novel materials based on usage models considering predicted reliability, performance and manufacturing cost as integrated functions. Using such a tool, designers could assess the real worldeffect of variability on cost effective state-of-the-art materials and concentrate controls on design parameters most likely to drive reliability and performance. As a feasibility test bed, this SBIR will focus on new composite structure manufacturingtechniques being developed by the missile/rocket community that incorporate an integral bonding strategy. This SBIR will development methodology for predict"
Detection-Driven Useful Life and Performance Life Remaining Prognostic Models for Aircraft Disk and Blade Propulsion Turbo Machinery,N68335-03-C-0073,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2002,1,69994.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"""Technology for extending the life of fielded systems offers the potential for signification savings in total ownership costs. On-board monitoring combined with physics-based analysis will instill increased confidence in prediction of remaining useful life.This, in turn, offers the potential to reduce premature part retirement and thus shifts part replacement costs to the out-years. Blisk components are a design combination of blade and disk elements with unique engineering attributes. For example, bliskdesigns tend to produce highly concentrated fatigue damage (compared to disks or blades) due to the fact that maximum vibratory stresses do not generally change location, flight to flight. Although prognostic systems need to consider unique aspects ofblisk components, most of the state-of-the-art work has been focused on disk or blade components as separate components. The proposed project will develop a probabilistic, physics-based framework for innovative, on-board prognostics for blisk components.The proposed focus of this Phase I project will be on a JSF 2nd Stage Lift Fan (blisk) component. Blisks can develop cracks are so small that they can?t normally be detected through routine maintenance or from onboard sensed data so this work is criticalto the overall JSF prognostics effort. The technology proposed herein will complement other prognostic development efforts through development of onboard software for evaluating a JSF blisk."
Motion Coupled Virtual Environment (MOCOVE),N68335-01-C-0145,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2001,2,300000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,,4238944646,,Christopher Gibson,,4238944646,,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) and Aviation Microjet Technologies (AMT) USA,have developed preliminary designs for an advanced, low-cost, high thrust-to-weightratio turbojet engine in support of the development of future low cost aerial targetsfor the U.S. Navy under the Target 21 program. The advanced engine design willproduce an increased thrust turbojet and an aft-fan configuration turbofan. Thepure turbojet version will have an estimated thrust of 180-lbf, well over the 160-lbfspecification. The aft fan version will deliver in excess of 250-lbf of thrust witha 54% SFC reduction over the base turbojet for an increase in production unit cost onthe order of 20-50%. During Phase II, we will complete the design, manufacture andground test a prototype of the advanced engines, with an option for installedperformance testing in one of AAC's research UAVs as well as wind tunnel tests.Additionally, we propose to use the small engine to evaluate the effects of usingWeakly Ionized Gas (WIG) shock wave modification technology to enhance theperformance of a turbojet engine. During Phase II we will design and implement aplasma generation system to modify the shock structure that exists in ahigh-performance supersonic compressor."
4 Kelvin Refrigerator for Superconducting Electronics,N00178-01-C-1039,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2001,2,500000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,,4238944646,,Robert Pap,,4238944646,,N/A
Intelligent Control For Autonomous Remote Spacecraft,,NASA,NASA,STTR,2001,1,99995.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Dr. James C. Neidhoefer,,4238944646,,"We will apply the latest knowledge in learning control, adaptive control, and optimal control to develop a modular, state-of-the-art, adaptive, nonlinear, guidance, navigation, and control package for remote spacecraft. The system will incorporate planning and decision making modules to give the remote spacecraft on-line goal directed self-reliant behavior with a high degree of autonomy. At the highest level, an expert system based Goal Executive will monitor the spacecraft's environment and switch and/or adapt the performance indices of an adaptive critic based guidance system, and an evolutionary algorithm based navigation system. This will, in effect, change the near-term behavior of the remote spacecraft by changing what it considers optimal. The navigation system will specify optimal way-points for achieving the specified mission goals. The guidance module will generate an optimal trajectory between the way-points and the control module will ensure robust and accurate trajectory tracking. The controller will be based on an improved version of an nth order multi-variate Neural Adaptive Controller (NACTM) developed at AAC. ~000118 ~"
MagLev Launch Propulsion for LoFLYTE¿ Waverider Unmanned Aerial Vehicle,,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2001,1,69964.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Christopher S. Gibson,Principal Investigator,4238944646,cgibson@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation, teamed with PRT Advanced Maglev Systems, will work together to perform flight test experiments for launching the LoFLYTE¿ UAV from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center¿s 100-foot outdoor Maglev track. The goal of the Phase I program is to lay the foundation for a Phase II flight test program that will demonstrate the use of the Maglev track to launch a hypersonic configuration UAV. To achieve this goal we will prepare detailed designs for modifications to the LoFLYTE¿ aircraft to mate it with the release mechanism designed by PRT Advanced Maglev Systems. The successful completion of this flight test program will set the stage for the incorporation of Maglev launch systems for both high-speed aircraft and next-generation Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) with the goal of reducing gross takeoff weight, thereby drastically reducing the cost of launching payloads into space."
Plasma Limiter: A Radio Frequency Mitigation Device for Missile Defense Electronics,DASG60-01-C-0088,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2001,2,716206.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@acccurate-automation.com,John Mankowski,Principal Investigator,4238944646,mankow@accurate-automation.com,"The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive high-power, short-pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices thatproduce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such devices is greater than ever. The plasma limiter devicebeing developed in this program has the potential to be the most effective transient suppression device available. The primary objective of the proposed Phase II program is the development of a large-scale plasma limiter that can reflect up to 10 kW ofX-band RF power in a response time less than 1 nsec. The device will be implemented in both rectangular waveguide (such as WR90) and stripline packaging. Usage of the limiter will be aimed at front-end protection. An additional specification of the devicewill be low insertion loss, < 0.1 dB."
Development of Radio Frequency Mitigation Technologies for Missile Defense Electronics,DASG60-01-C-0018,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2001,1,69708.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,John Mankowski,Principal Investigator,4238944646,mankow@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation is proposing the development of a plasma limiter for the protection of sensing electronic equipment from high power EM radiation. The Limiter is essentially a self-breaking, fine-point, electrode placed within the receivingtransmission line. In Phase I, AAC will begin development and testing of the concept in an S-band resonant ring located at Texas Tech University. The testing matrix will include breakdown for several gases at a range of pressures, various point diameters,and gap distances observing primarily breakdown development time and reflection and transmission characteristics. This work will lay the foundation for future Phase II development and research into an X-band system.The commercialization of this productwill apply to a variety of sensing technologies. The potential market is tremendously broad and includes radar systems, telecommunication systems (mobile phones), and DSTV. Additionally, this technology applies to both ground based and spaced basedsystems."
Enhanced Turbojet Inlet Injection,DAAH0102CR060,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2001,1,99000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Christopher Gibson,Principal Investigator,4238944646,cgibson@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) proposes to develop an analytical andexperimental database that demonstrates the basic feasibility of inlet injection ofoxidizer in turbojet engines for turbojet acceleration. This will enable operation ofconventional turbojets to higher Mach numbers, to higher speeds, and to higheraltitudes than they are current capable. This is a step in using the nation'sinventory of these assets for new applications and, in two-stage-to-orbit systemsusing these engines, brings the U.S. closer to"
Friction Drag Reduction System,,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,marketing@accurate-automation.com,Richard 1. Ph.D.,Principal Investigator,,rsaeks@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to design a system for reducing the friction drag on an aircraft by introducing an ion space charge into the aircraft¿s boundary layer. We will develop a detailed model for the drag reduction mechanism; evaluate the system performance; evaluate alternative electromagnetic and/ or mechanical processes for generating a space charge in the boundary layer of an aircraft from a bipolar weakly ionized gas; and design a wind tunnel experiment to evaluate the technology. The wind tunnel experiment will be fabricated and tested, and a conceptual design for a flight test aircraft will be performed in Phase II. This is the solution to a successful Phase III flight test, evaluation and production program."
Friction Drag Reduction System,,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2001,2,600000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,marketing@accurate-automation.com,Richard 1. Ph.D.,Principal Investigator,,rsaeks@accurate-automation.com,"Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to design a system for reducing the friction drag on an aircraft by introducing an ion space charge into the aircraft¿s boundary layer. We will develop a detailed model for the drag reduction mechanism; evaluate the system performance; evaluate alternative electromagnetic and/ or mechanical processes for generating a space charge in the boundary layer of an aircraft from a bipolar weakly ionized gas; and design a wind tunnel experiment to evaluate the technology. The wind tunnel experiment will be fabricated and tested, and a conceptual design for a flight test aircraft will be performed in Phase II. This is the solution to a successful Phase III flight test, evaluation and production program."
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET FOR MICROCOIL NMR,PHS2001-2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2001,1,142774.00,"American Magnetics, Inc.",112 Flint Road,P.O. Box 2509,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0250,No,No,No,,,8654821056,ROGER@AMERICANMAGNETICS.COM,Yukikazu Iwasa,,6172535548,IWASA@JOKAKU.MIT.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): The specific aims of this
Phase I STTR project, proposed by the American Magnetics, Inc. in partnership
with the MIT Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, are: 1) experimental
demonstration of feasibility of innovative design and operation features
applicable to NMR Nb3Sn-magnet/cryocooler systems; and 2) completion of a
reference design for a prototype to be built by AMI in Phase II, based on which
it targets to manufacture and market, in the next few years, a new class of
such 350-400MHz (8.2-9.0 T) Nb3Sn-magnet/cryocooler systems, bench-top and
""noise-free,"" for micro coil high resolution NMR spectroscopy. The innovative
design and operation features, developed at FBML, include: 1) presence in the
""cold body containing the magnet of solid nitrogen to enhance significantly the
cold body's heat capacity; and 2) variation in the magnet's temperature, from 8
K when the cryocooler is decoupled from the cold body and idled to make the
system quiescent (""noise-free""), until when the re-activated cryocooler is
coupled to the cold body for recooling from 10 K to 8 K. NMR measurement is
performed during each quiescent period, in commercial units, of about 8 hours,
sufficient, for example, for 2D NMR spectra. This periodic
measurement-recooling sequence may be continued ad infinitum.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The American Magnetics, Inc. Targets to capture, in the next few years, a niche among
the growing field of NMR spectroscopy instrumentation with a new class of bench-top
""noise-free"" Nb3 Sn-magnet/cryocooler systems, operatable at a frequency in the range
350-400 MHz (8.2-9.0 T), for microcoil high resolution NMR spectroscopy."
Accurate Early Detection of Preeclampsia,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,99998.00,"ARBOGAST PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.",1316 WOODLAND AVE,,JOHNSON CITY,TN,37601,No,No,No,,,4239291974,BARBOGAST@CSI.COM,Bradley W. Arbogast,,,,Use of a new noninvasive test for the accurate early detection of preeclampsia is proposed as a tool to screen women during early stages of pregnancy. Preeclampsia affects 10% of the 4 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year and is the leading cause of maternal and neonatal medical complications and death. There is currently no means of detecting preeclampsia prior to onset of clinical symptoms in the third trimester. Preliminary results using an isoelectric focusing (IEF) assay demonstrated that levels of a subfraction of serum albumin could be used to accurately predict the onset of disease months prior to the appearance of symptoms. A new colorimetric test has the potential to provide the same screening accuracy without the cumbersome equipment or time consuming procedures of the IEF method. Analysis times employing a routine blood sample average 2 hours. Five hundred individual samples can easily be processed in half a day by a single laboratory technician. We propose to validate the accuracy and optimize the conditions of this new assay using frozen plasma samples collected from carefully monitored patient populations at several major medical centers. We believe this assay will revolutionize the area of maternal medicine. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The need for an early detection of preeclampsia is well established. The market potential for a test that could rapidly and accurately screen the yearly 4 million pregnancies at low cost would be sizable. Repetitive testing to monitor the progress throughout the pregnancy of women identified in the initial screen as preeclamptic would provide an additional market for this product. This test could also be used in research laboratories to detect early changes in maternal physiology leading to improved treatment and prevention of this disease.
Reducing Diesel Soot with an Atmospheric Plasma Metallic Filter,68-D-01-009,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2001,1,64557.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,,8659740286,kwintenb@utk.edu,,,,,"The majority of buses, heavy-duty fleet vehicles, and construction and farm machinery are equipped with diesel engines. The diesel engine is an energy-efficient machine, but its exhaust emissions present a serious health and environmental problem. Drastic reductions of exhaust soot have been mandated throughout the world, including the recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate to reduce smog-causing nitrogen oxides from these vehicles by 95 percent, and particulate matter (PM) (i.e., soot) by 90 percent. The EPA proposes a PM emission standard for new heavy-duty engines of 0.01 grams per brake-horsepower-hour (g/bhp/hr) in engine Model Year 2007. It is estimated that emissions of soot would be reduced by 110,000 tons each year when implemented. Current control technologies such as catalytic converters, alternative fuels, and advanced diesel engine combustion systems are only partially effective in controlling the soot generated from diesel engines. Most of today's filter-based technologies experience high operational back-pressures causing unfavorable fuel consumption. The key to the acceptability of barrier filters for diesel exhausts is the ability of the filter to be regenerated, or cleared of trapped particles, so that the exhaust back-pressure remains low."
Decontamination Using the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Cold Plasma,DAAD19-02-C-0004,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2001,2,699743.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President,8655830985,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President,8655830985,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"Atmospheric Glow Technologies (A-G Tech) proposes to develop an innovative mobile Atmospheric Plasma Decon (APD) System based upon the patented One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology. This advanced system will be a deployablemilitary protection system that will decontaminate highly toxic chemicals and microorganisms on sensitive equipment, personnel protective equipment, and aircraft, vehicle, and shelter interiors. Phase I efforts demonstrated feasibility of the APD-210 inthe neutralization of chemical warfare simulants (99.3% reduction). Phase II efforts will extend studies to biological warfare agents including spores, building upon the proven efficacy of the OAUGDP against a wide range of microorganisms. During thePhase II contract, the APD device will be optimized for recirculation and air cooling. Studies will be conducted to examine the concentration of plasma produced active species as well as the extent of chemical and biological degradation achieved. Deviceswill be tested for materials and device compatibility. A collaborative relationship is being put in place beteen A-G Tech and Dugway Proving Ground for device efficacy testing with actual chemical and biological agents throughout the length of thecontract period."
Decontamination using a One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Cold Plasma,DAAD19-01-C-0033,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2001,1,118307.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President and CEO,8655830985,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg,President and CEO,8655830985,kwintenb@atmosphericglow.com,"Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes to develop an innovative Mobile AtmosphericGlow Decontamination (MAGDEC) system based upon the patented One Atmosphere UniformGlow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology. This advanced system will be adeployablemilitary protection system that will decontaminate highly toxic chemicals andmicroorganisms on sensitive equipment, personnel protective equipment, and aircraft,vehicle, and shelter interiors. Phase I efforts will focus on neutralizationofchemicals while Phase II efforts will extend studies to biological warfare agentsincluding spores, building upon the proven efficacy of the OAUGDP against a widerange of microorganisms. Phase II work will conclude with testing additionalsimulants and,where possible, CBW agents themselves in collaboration withresearchers at Aberdeen Proving Ground.The completion of this Phase I effort will result in the design of the MAGDEC systemfor the decontamination of chemical warfare agents. The success of thePhase I andPhase II projects will provide the military with a singular means to achievebiological and chemical decontamination of equipment ranging from robust vehiclesto sensitive electronic equipment within minutes with no significant productionofharmful by-products. An additional arena of use for our design could includedomestic Hazardous Materials Management Teams charged with decontaminating buildings or industrial sites following spills or terrorist events."
STERILIZING MEDICAL DEVICES WITH ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,100000.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,8659740286,KWINTENB@UTK.EDU,Kimberly K. Kellywintenberg,,,,"DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from Applicant's Abstract): Atmospheric Glow
Technologies, Inc. will investigate the efficacy of the patented One Atmosphere
Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) in sterilizing medical devices and
instruments. The OAUGDP has been shown to sterilize various surfaces against a
number of microorganisms including viruses and spores. The use of atmospheric
plasma to sterilize/decontaminate medical devices is, therefore, a new
application of a proven baseline technology. Our goal is to develop and
fabricate a prototype that will be commercially viable. We propose to inoculate
stainless steel conventional surgical instruments with vegetative bacteria or
spores and assess the conditions required to achieve sterilization of these
devices. Currently available sterilization technologies have failed to
consistently demonstrate sterilization success in rigid narrow-lumened
instruments particularly against a challenge of organic debris. For this
reason, we also propose to investigate the ability of OAUGDP to sterilize
conventional and rigid lumened devices in the presence and absence of a protein
and salt challenge. Preliminary evaluation of instrument surface changes will
be made using SEM. Phase II work would include sterilization of flexible
lumens, toxicity studies on potential instrument residues and further
examination of any instrument surface alterations. Phase II efforts would also
involve characterizing the active species generated by the OAUGDP.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The OAUGDP technology is a new sterilization/decontamination process. Samples are
sterilized within seconds to several minutes at room temperature, without production of
harmful byproducts or batch processing. The technology is relatively inexpensive and
can be engineered in several configurations. Such a device would fulfill a market niche
in hospitals, physician and dental offices, to name a few."
Screening Digestive Diseases with Microcantilever Arrays,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,97295.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Michael S. Kriger,,,,"DESCRIPTION (Applicant's Abstract): The proposed research is focused on
developing a low-cost diagnostic technology to screen for digestive diseases in
a clinical setting. The goal is to incorporate screening for multiple diseases
into a single test. Our approach is based upon hybridization of DNA to specific
peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes attached to a microcantilever array. By
measuring the bending of individual cantilevers induced by hybridization of
DNA, mutant and normal alleles of a gene may be identified. The increased
stability of PNA/DNA duplexes, compared to that of DNA/DNA, allows monitoring
of multiple mutations with a single device. The Phase I work plan is designed
to characterize PNA/DNA hybridization on microcantilever arrays by studying the
G-to-A transition associated with the disease-causing Cys282Tyr mutation on the
HFE gene. In Phase II, large cantilever arrays will be implemented and a
prototype instrument will be built to demonstrate the commercial potential of
the technology.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This project is aimed toward developing a low-cost technique for screening genetic
diseases. The technology could be utilized for screening of inherited diseases, including
the presence of hereditary digestive disease in infants. The technology could also be used
for a wide variety of DNA sequence recognition applications, including screening for
infectious pathogens in a hospital or as point-of-care in the physician's office, toxic
chemicals or radioisotopes in industry or biowarfare, or in veterinary medicine."
Inexpensive Genetic Detection of Infectious Organisms,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,100758.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,,,8654831113,WHITAKER@ATOM-SCI.COM,Tom J. Whitaker,,,,"DESCRIPTION (Applicant's abstract): The proposed project is aimed at developing
a very inexpensive and rapid diagnostic test that can be used to identify
specific infectious organisms. The goal is to make the cost so low that managed
health organizations would encourage its regular use in clinical settings, thus
greatly reducing prescriptions for antibiotics in cases where they are
ineffective, and consequently reducing one source of antimicrobial-resistant
strains of bacteria. The proposed diagnostic test is based upon DNA array
technology, which can be designed to not only identify infectious pathogens but
also determine if antimicrobial resistant bacteria strains are present. The
unique feature of the proposed test is that it utilizes an electrical property
that is very inexpensive to measure. The test is based on the fact that, under
the appropriate conditions, the increase in effective dielectric thickness
caused by binding a small amount of DNA to an insulating monolayer on a metal
conductor will produce a significant, readily measurable change in measured
capacitance. In Phase I, controlled tests are proposed to characterize the new
technique and assess its likely effectiveness in a clinical setting. In Phase
II, DNA array will be developed to detect common pathogens.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
A low-cost DNA-based diagnostic test for infectious pathogens could be utilized in
essentially every hospital and clinic in the world. As antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
become more common, the need for such tests will gain widespread acceptance.
We estimate that tens of millions of the arrays will eventually be used each year in
U.S. hospitals alone."
REGENERATION WITH PDGF TREATED OSTEOCONDUCTIVE MATERIALS,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,176905.00,"BIOMIMETIC PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.","BIOMIMETIC PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.",1616 WESTGATE CIR,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027,No,No,No,,,6155955030,,Samuel E. Lynch,,,,"DESCRIPTION: Platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) has been shown to
stimulate periodontal wound healing in both animals and humans. Certain Bone substitutes
have also been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration in both animal models and
in humans. The investigators have demonstrated that PDGF can be adsorbed to
that PDGF is slowly released in vitro. Addition of PDGF has been shown to enhance the
in vitro osteoblastic cell attachment and proliferation compared to untreated.
The hypothesis of the application is that PDGF treatment will enhance the periodontal
regenerative properties of these osteoconductive materials. The Specific Aims
of the application are to determine if combined with PDGF
promotes greater periodontal regeneration in the beagle dog than unmodified,
to determine the concentration of PDGF that when added to the
stimulates the greatest amount of regeneration, and to
determine if any abnormal healing responses in the periodontal defects such and
ankylosis and root resorption occur with the use of the PDGF treated .
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE"
New Boronated Amino Acids for Neutron Capture Therapy,DE-FG02-00ER82960,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,2,536056.00,"Bioneutrics, Inc.",9821 Cogdill Road,Suite 1,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Larry Tummel,Chief Operations Officer,8656755627,larryt@bioneutrics.com,George F. Dilworth,President,8656755627,georged@bioneutrics.com,"60076 Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), used for cancer treatment, is in need of new and improved boron containing drugs that have been shown to accumulate in tumors (Glioblastoma melanoma, etc.) and not in surrounding tissue. This project will examine the extent to which a family of boron-containing cyclic amino acids are taken up by tumors and evaluate their promise as agents for use in clinical BNCT. In Phase I, a series of new tumor seeking unnatural cyclic amino acids were designed, and two were prepared. The materials were tested for toxicity in Balb/c mice and were found to be non-toxic. One of the new boronated amino acids was used in a biodistribution study involving Balb/c mice bearing EMT-6 tumors on their dorsal hip area. The results demonstrated that the reagent was taken up by the tumor while rapidly clearing from the blood. Based on the selectivity of the first compound prepared in the new family of water soluble cyclic amino acids, a series of boronated unnatural amino acids will be prepared in Phase II, varying the position and chemical type of the boron. These new boronated pharmaceuticals will be evaluated for tumor specificity using immune deficient mice bearing implanted tumors. The materials will also be screened for toxicity. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: If the tumor selectively of the new synthesized compounds is shown to be significantly higher than currently used BNCT compouds, there would be a new worldwide movement to utilize BNCT. Given new facilities around the world for treatment, the commercialization opportunities of these compounds should be significant."
New Boronated Amino Acids for Neutron Capture Therapy,DE-FG02-00ER82960,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,"Bioneutrics, Inc.",9821 Cogdill Road,Suite 1,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Larry Tummel,Chief Operations Officer,8656755627,larryt@bioneutrics.com,George F. Dilworth,President,8656755627,georged@bioneutrics.com,"60076 Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), used for cancer treatment, is in need of new and improved boron containing drugs that have been shown to accumulate in tumors (Glioblastoma melanoma, etc.) and not in surrounding tissue. This project will examine the extent to which a family of boron-containing cyclic amino acids are taken up by tumors and evaluate their promise as agents for use in clinical BNCT. In Phase I, a series of new tumor seeking unnatural cyclic amino acids were designed, and two were prepared. The materials were tested for toxicity in Balb/c mice and were found to be non-toxic. One of the new boronated amino acids was used in a biodistribution study involving Balb/c mice bearing EMT-6 tumors on their dorsal hip area. The results demonstrated that the reagent was taken up by the tumor while rapidly clearing from the blood. Based on the selectivity of the first compound prepared in the new family of water soluble cyclic amino acids, a series of boronated unnatural amino acids will be prepared in Phase II, varying the position and chemical type of the boron. These new boronated pharmaceuticals will be evaluated for tumor specificity using immune deficient mice bearing implanted tumors. The materials will also be screened for toxicity. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: If the tumor selectively of the new synthesized compounds is shown to be significantly higher than currently used BNCT compouds, there would be a new worldwide movement to utilize BNCT. Given new facilities around the world for treatment, the commercialization opportunities of these compounds should be significant."
NOVEL TARGETS FOR LARGE SCALE F18 PRODUCTION,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,"CTI SERVICES, INC.",810 INNOVATION DR,,KNOXVILLE,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,8652182266,JOE.MATTEO@CTI-PET.COM,Charles W. Alvord,,,,"DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): We have demonstrated in
Phase I that grid window supports for accelerator targets represent an
improvement in terms of maximum operating pressure, area independence, and heat
removal over convectively cooled designs. These very promising Phase I
developed techniques will be expanded upon in Phase II. In order to culminate
in a fully developed, high performance accelerator, capable of operating at
80uA dual extraction, the project will also include research on ion sources and
self-shielding. The shielding research will involve the application of Monte
Carlo simulations to streamline the revisions of the shield composition and
geometry. The ion source development will involve improvement to heat and gas
transport in a differentially pumped internal Penning source. The combined
technologies will comprise an accelerator that is less than 10 percent more
costly to manufacture than our current offering, with twice the yield.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
Not Available"
NOVEL TARGETS FOR LARGE SCALE F18 PRODUCTION,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,2,740745.00,"CTI SERVICES, INC.",810 INNOVATION DR,,KNOXVILLE,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,8652182266,JOE.MATTEO@CTI-PET.COM,Charles W. Alvord,,,,"DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): We have demonstrated in
Phase I that grid window supports for accelerator targets represent an
improvement in terms of maximum operating pressure, area independence, and heat
removal over convectively cooled designs. These very promising Phase I
developed techniques will be expanded upon in Phase II. In order to culminate
in a fully developed, high performance accelerator, capable of operating at
80uA dual extraction, the project will also include research on ion sources and
self-shielding. The shielding research will involve the application of Monte
Carlo simulations to streamline the revisions of the shield composition and
geometry. The ion source development will involve improvement to heat and gas
transport in a differentially pumped internal Penning source. The combined
technologies will comprise an accelerator that is less than 10 percent more
costly to manufacture than our current offering, with twice the yield.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
Not Available"
Miniature Compliant Spatial Parallel Manipulators,DASG60-01-C-0074,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2001,2,750000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,"An innovative solution for the design of solid-state, spatial, scaleable high-performance active mechanisms is proposed. When developed, this device class will find use in various military, commercial and medical applications to provide mobile controlsurfaces for manipulating, pointing and tracking tasks. The first target application is a high resolution ("
PIEZOELECTRIC STEP AND REPEAT HYDRAULIC MOTOR,DAAH0101CR047,DOD,DARPA,STTR,2001,1,0.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffery Paine,,6155956665,,Jeffery S. Paine,,6155956665,,The Phase II development of the hybrid piezoelectric
A General Computer Code for Simulation of Plasma Aerodynamics and Propulsion,,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2001,1,70000.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,John Lineberry,President,9313934500,JLBERRY@EDGE.NET,Pat G. Vogel,Principal Investigator,9313934500,JLBERRY@EDGE.NET,"Lytec LLC proposes to integrate the simulation technology of the MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) community into the worlds leading propulsion and aerodynamic flow solver WIND. The WIND code has been chosen because of its general acceptance in the aerospace community as a first class flow simulation tool. The ultimate goal is to provide an integrated magnetogasdynamic solver that will advance the state of the art in the prediction of flowfield simulations for electrically conductive fluids in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. In Phase I, Lytec will incorporate several modifications into the WIND flow solver to allow prediction of magnetogasdynamic flows where the temperature of the electrons and the bulk gas are equal. Namely: 1) addition of the magnetic force term and ohmic heating term to the momentum and energy equations; 2) Implement Ohms Law for calculation of the induced electric field; 3) Implement calculation of the current density given the magnetic field; 4) Add the magnetic specific energy to the total specific energy; 5) Add a calculation of the plasma conductivity; and, 6) Upgrade the Pre and Post processing tools (GMAN and CFPOST) for display and input of the electric and magnetic fields."
SBIR Phase I: Development of High Efficiency NanoFilter Media,0060307,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2001,1,99993.00,"eSpin Technologies, Inc.",7151 Discovery Drive,,Chattanooga,TN,-,No,No,No,Jayesh Doshi,President,4232676266,nanoFiber@aol.com,Jayesh Doshi,,4232676266,nanofiber@aol.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposal focuses on providing a feasibility demonstration of producing electrospun nanowebs of nanofibers, and combining them with conventional filter media to form novel NanoFilter media for specific filtration applications. These applications are well suited to address the problems of removal of particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent streams -where superior efficiency of nanowebs in capturing sub-micron particles is very attractive for cost considerations as well. Initially, the nanofibers will be electrospun from a solution of Nylon 6 in formic acid and laid directly on to a conventional support filter media as a nanoweb. The web architecture will be easily tailored to achieve the desired composite filter performance by varying fiber diameter, fiber orientation, fiber packing fraction within the nanoweb, and the nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out collaboratively by eSpin Technologies, a small, high-technology start-up company based in Chattanooga, TN, and specializing in providing custom-made electrospun nanofibers, with academic centers and major corporations as its partners. Together they possess the skills and facilities needed to successfully carry out the work under this grant.
Nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation of significant commercial platforms. This business will be a key supplier of nanofiber technology which have the potential for commercial applications in a variety of fields including, filtration: industrial filters, biological separations, ultra pure air and water systems, next generation clean rooms, agriculture and food industries, and microelectronic industries"
DETECTING CORNEAL STRIAE AFTER LASIK SURGERY,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,99886.00,"FEO MEDICAL, INC.",1025 CROSSWINDS COVE,,COLLIERVILLE,TN,38017,No,No,No,,,9018532244,REWILLIA@MIDSOUTH.RR.COM,Roy E. Williams,,,,"DESCRIPTION: Excimer laser refractive surgery is a very poplar method for
providing patients with better vision. Experts predict 1.7 million American
patients will have this procedure performed this year. Approximately 95 percent
of these patients will have he procedure termed LASIK. There are some important
advantages that have caused LASIK to become he dominant technique. However, it
has one drawback, that of striae or corneal wrinkling, due to the thin ""flap""
hat is created. Striae can cause vision problems ranging from glare to
decreased acuity ad is created when the flap is not reattached uniformly. Most
surgeons agree the problems exists in approximately 2-3 percent of LASIK
patients, which means 40,000 patients will experience this problem this year.
FEO Medical proposes to scan off-axis, monochromatic, near-infrared
illumination around the cornea to create an edge enhancement effect to expose
striae. An IR camera will capture each ""scan"" image followed by processing for
edge variations (possible striae). During Phase I, FEO Medical will construct
an IR ring illuminator; illuminate and videotape LASIK patients with possible
striae: and design and implement an algorithm to detect the striae thus proving
feasibility. This feasibility will establish a basis for the Phase II study and
subsequent commercialization.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE"
Validation and Numerical Testing of Turbine Augmentors Combustion Computational Modeling,F40600-01-C-0011,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2001,1,99992.00,Flow Integration & Control System,1 Clairemont Circle,,Tullahoma,TN,37388 0485,No,No,No,Ahmad Vakili,Chief Manager,9314550606,avakili@utsi.edu,Ahmad Vakili,Professor,9313937483,avakili@utsi.edu,"Technical Abstract: The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibilityof integrating numerical testing with benchmark measurements for developing a validated accurate numerical code for turbine augmentor combustion modeling.1- Feasibility of using our FPVortex code, that has been used in similar applications with proven record, for additional simulations will be studied. The code will be used to predict six different operating conditions, representative of the military engine flight envelope. Component numerical simulations will include liquid fuel spray droplet technology where successful prediction of the heat release characteristics in a combustor would provide combustion stability information. Including behavior of two phase flow injection, development of the gas-phase and liquid-droplet velocities, and the flame structure and the heat release profiles in the primary zone of the combustor. Key operational factors such as attached vs. lifted flame structure, and characterization of stable vs. unstable flame will be established. 2- A feasibility study will be performed to determine whether a sub-scale augmentor (or a segment) model should be designed and built, or a full-scale system must be employed for performing benchmark measurements to be used for validation in phase II of this research. 3- Perform a review of the state-of-the-art for predicting combustion instabilities in turbine augmentors. 4-Evaluate the feasibility of using high frequency pulsed fuel injection for increased mixing and active stability control of the augmentor combustion.The methodology described in this proposal, once successfully accomplished, will provide the opportunity for more efficient numerical modeling of turbine augmentor combustion flow that is validated. This will lead to economical and accurate design, efficient testing, and analysis of jet engines with augmentors. The end result of this work is expected to be reduced development costs and improved performance for all military and commercial jet engines including those without an augmentor. Furthermore, improved (augmentor) combustion will play a critical role in the increase in thrust of (military) jet engines and will extend their flight envelope."
"Improved Nonlinear Mixing for High Average Power, Near-UV Generation",,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2001,1,69883.00,INRAD,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Maria Murray,VP Business Development,2017671910,dlehrfeld@inrad.com,Thomas Caughey,Principal Research Scientist,2017671910,tcaughey@inrad.com,"For many ultraviolet applications, beta-barium borate (BBO) is the material of choice for harmonic generation due to the outstanding nonlinear properties, ultraviolet transparency, and mechanical robustness of the single crystals. Despite these attractive features, issues that limit the usefulness of BBO for ultraviolet generation include heating, due to Intensity Dependent Loss (IDL) and surface damage. IDL, which is known to be a significant problem at 266 nm and shorter wavelengths while relatively unimportant at 355 nm, will be characterized at an intermediate wavelength of 315 nm. Despite being grown at high temperatures, BBO is water soluble so that polished surfaces are difficult to AR coat for high power, laser damage resistance. Characteristically, damage occurs at the AR coated surface at a lower level than the bulk, which has a high threshold. Results of Phase I will identify the severity of IDL in the near ultraviolet in flux-grown BBO, identify factors that may affect this limitation, such as flux inclusions, and investigate the use of CLBO as an alternative non linear crystal. In addition, Phase I damage tests will determine optimal AR coating techniques for BBO-type crystals when used in these high power applications. Phase II work will optimize the non linear material properties and AR coating."
Hermetic Metallization of Aluminum Nitride for Radio Frequency Devices,DE-FG02-01ER83202,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,100000.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,Wayne Garber,Vice President,8654825992,intraxpc@icx.net,john Walter,President,8654831859,intraspc@icx.net,"65071 Advancements in nuclear physics research will require detectors with improved quantum efficiency at the deep red end of the spectrum and at the violet end of the spectrum. This project will fabricate silicon (Si) avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays that can be used for x-ray, charged particle, and optical imaging. Along with major improvements in quantum efficiencies at both ends of the spectrum, the technology will provide uniform high gain, very low bulk leakage current, low excess noise factor, low cross-talk between pixels, and a reasonable-cost manufacturing process. In Phase I, feasibility will be shown by constructing a single pixel prototype of a deep, totally-depleted, reach-through design. Improvements for charged particles and photons at the violet end of the spectrum will come from using a new ultra-shallow junction technology and a new approach to antireflective coating. Improvements for x-rays and photons at the deep red end of the spectrum will come from improved configuration and B-type Si with ultra-high resistivity and excellent minority carrier lifetime. Improvements in noise and pixel isolation will come from new technology for junction edge passivation. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: Markets for Si APDs and APD arrays range from simple laser detection, through replacement of photo multiplier tubes for scintillation detectors, to low energy x-ray detection and spectroscopy. A technology that improves the spectral coverage and makes extended arrays possible should impact existing markets and create new market potential."
"Segmented, Deep-Sensitive-Depth Silicon Detectors",DE-FG02-00ER83024,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,Wayne Garber,Vice President,8654825992,intraspc@icx.net,John Walter,President,8654831859,intraspc@icx.net,"60042 In the past, oxide passivated silicon radiation detectors, used in nuclear physics research, have been mostly limited to sensitive depths less than 1mm, with cost limitations making the practical limit for large scale applications closer to 0.5 mm. This project will extend the useful sensitive depth of individual and segmented oxide passivated Si detectors to the 1-3 mm range and incorporate high value monolithic resistors on the same substrate. Phase I extended a previously developed technique for neutron transmutation doping to make very high resistivity Si. It was also demonstrated that the flat band voltage is lower for than for for the same resistivity. Finally the proposed technique for improved surface passivation was shown to be feasible. In Phase II, the neutron transmutation doping will be combined with two new techniques for reducing the flat band voltage of the oxide passivation and for reducing channel conductance and surface recombination currents. Very high sheet resistivities on Si surfaces will be produced for the fabrication of monolithic high value resistors. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The availability to oxide passivated deep Si detectors will make an important contribution to radiation detection and spectroscopy application in many diverse areas ranging from particle physics research to industrial x-ray spectroscopy. A new technology for ultra-shallow junctions should be valuable for the next generation of "
"Segmented, Deep-Sensitive-Depth Silicon Detectors",DE-FG02-00ER83024,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,2,733121.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,Wayne Garber,Vice President,8654825992,intraspc@icx.net,John Walter,President,8654831859,intraspc@icx.net,"60042 In the past, oxide passivated silicon radiation detectors, used in nuclear physics research, have been mostly limited to sensitive depths less than 1mm, with cost limitations making the practical limit for large scale applications closer to 0.5 mm. This project will extend the useful sensitive depth of individual and segmented oxide passivated Si detectors to the 1-3 mm range and incorporate high value monolithic resistors on the same substrate. Phase I extended a previously developed technique for neutron transmutation doping to make very high resistivity Si. It was also demonstrated that the flat band voltage is lower for than for for the same resistivity. Finally the proposed technique for improved surface passivation was shown to be feasible. In Phase II, the neutron transmutation doping will be combined with two new techniques for reducing the flat band voltage of the oxide passivation and for reducing channel conductance and surface recombination currents. Very high sheet resistivities on Si surfaces will be produced for the fabrication of monolithic high value resistors. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The availability to oxide passivated deep Si detectors will make an important contribution to radiation detection and spectroscopy application in many diverse areas ranging from particle physics research to industrial x-ray spectroscopy. A new technology for ultra-shallow junctions should be valuable for the next generation of "
Controlled Release of Ceftiofur from Biodegradable Injectable Delivery Systems,2001-33610-10358,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2001,1,69886.00,"James R. Johnson & Associates, LLC.",2129 Glenalden Drive E.,,Germantown,TN,38139,No,No,No,James R. Johnson,Chief Manager,9017545543,jjohnso2@midsouth.rr.com,James R. Johnson,,9017545543,jjohnso2@midsouth.rr.com,"The overall goal of this proposal is to develop a novel approach for the treatment of bacterial diseases in animals using unique and patented biodegradable injectable gel formulations for controlled release of the antibiotic ceftiofur. These novel biodegradable injectable gel formulations will be able to maintain therapeutic concentrations of ceftiofur for a prolonged period of time (7 days), following a single subcutaneous injection, thereby creating a product that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness and duration of treatment, with the goal of reducing clinical relapse infection, and improving the percentage of treated animals experiencing complete recovery. Therefore, the specific aims of this study are as follows: 1) Evaluate In Vitro drug release rates from Novel Biodegradable Injectable Gels Loaded with Ceftiofur. The first step in this study will be to characterize critical factors affecting in vitro release rates of ceftiofur. 2) Ascertain How Long Therapeutic Plasma Concentrations of Ceftiofur can be Maintained In Vivo after a Single Subcutaneous Injection of the Novel Biodegradable Injectable Gel. The duration of therapeutic plasma concentration of ceftiofur released from optimized drug-loaded gel formulations will be examined in sheep following a single subcutaneous injection of the biodegradable gels."
LONG ACTING NALTREXONE BIODEGRADABLE INJECTABLE GEL,PHS2001-2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2001,1,100000.00,"James R. Johnson & Associates, LLC.",2129 Glenalden Drive E.,,Germantown,TN,38139,No,No,No,"Johnson, james r",,9017545543,JJOHNSO2@MIDSOUTH.RR.COM,James R. Johnson,,9017545543,JJOHNSO2@MIDSOUTH.RR.COM,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of this project is to
develop a novel approach for the treatment of drug abuse using unique and
patented biodegradable injectable gel formulations which can control the
release of naltrexone. These novel biodegradable get formulations wit maintain
therapeutic concentrations of naltrexone for at least 4 weeks, following a
single subcutaneous injection, thereby creating a product that will overcome
the major disadvantages of current mode of oral therapy, i.e. significant first
pass metabolism and poor patient compliance. Therefore, the specific aims of
this study are as follows:
(1) Develop and Evaluate In Vitro Drug Release Rates from Novel Injectable Gels
Loaded with Naltrexone.
The first step in this study is to prepare drug-loaded gel formulations with
varying formulation factors and ascertain in vitro release rates of naltrexone
from the gel formulations.
(2) Ascertain Biodegradability, Biocompatibility of the Gels and How Long
Constant Plasma Concentrations of Naltrexone can be Maintained in Vivo after a
Single Subcutaneous Injection.
Biodegradability and biocompatibility of the drug-loaded gels and the duration
of maintaining constant plasma concentration of naltrexone released from two
optimized drug-loaded gel formations will be examined in rats following a
single subcutaneous injection of the gels.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
A parenterally administered formulation of a narcotic antagonist that is biodegradable and can release the drug at a controlled rate over a 2-4 week period following a single injection would be important in the treatment of opiate dependence. The potential commercial implications of such drug delivery system will be significant not only in the field of opiate abuse treatment, but also in the treatment of alcoholism, a much larger and economically devastating problem in our society today. A U.S. patent application for this system is pending and is expected to be granted shortly. Therefore, we believe that an issued patent and data generated from both Phase I and phase II studies will help us commercialize the technology and make a viable product."
N/A,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,100000.00,"James R. Johnson & Associates, LLC.",2129 Glenalden Drive E.,,Germantown,TN,38139,No,No,No,,,9017545543,JJOHNSO2@MIDSOUTH.RR.COM,James R. Johnson,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of this proposal is to
develop a novel approach for the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependency
using unique and patented biodegradable gel formulations for controlled release
of nalmefene. These novel biodegradable gel formulations will be able to
maintain therapeutic concentrations of nalmefene for a prolonged period of
time, following a single subcutaneous injection, thereby creating a product
that will significantly improve patient compliance. Therefore, the specific
aims of this study are as follows:
(1) Develop and Evaluate In Vitro Drug Release Rates from Novel Injectable Gels
Loaded with Nalmefene. The first step in this study will be to characterize
critical factors affecting in vitro release rates of nalmefene.
(2) Ascertain the How Long Therapeutic Plasma Concentrations of Nalmefene can
be Maintained In Vivo after a Single Subcutaneous Injection. The duration of
therapeutic plasma concentration of nalmefene released from two optimized
drug-loaded gel formulations will be examined in rats following a single
subcutaneous injection of the gels.
The underlying hypothesis of our research is that the novel injectable
biodegradable gel loaded with nalmefene will overcome the major disadvantages
of the present oral therapy with naltrexone, i.e., significant first pass
metabolism and poor patient compliance.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
A United States patent application for this novel biodegradable drug delivery system has been
granted and has also been filed in other countries. A controlled release drug delivery system
of nalmefene, which is biodegradable and can maintain therapeutic concentrations of the drug
for approximately 2-4 weeks following a single injection in alccoholic dependent patients, will
guarantee patient compliance and reduce treatment cost."
Planar image particle analyzer for whole field spray applications,DAAE07-01-C-L034,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2001,2,513851.00,MICRON CORP.,158 Orchard Ln,,Winchester,TN,37398,No,No,No,Dieter Nowak Nowak,president,9319679859,mcammarere@tsc.com,Dieter Nowak,president,9319679859,mcammarere@tsc.com,"A very effective pulse charge algorithm that reduces battery gassing, a batterystate determination algorithm that adapts to individual batteries by a"
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-RECEPTOR LC STATIONARY PHASES,PHS2001-2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2001,1,100000.00,"MOLECULAR DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, INC.",111 South Highland Street,,MEMPHIS,TN,38111-,No,No,No,,,9015241010,PURCELL@MOLECULARDESIGN.COM,Robert R. Clarke,,2026873755,CLARKER@GEORGETOWN.EDU,"DESCRIPTION: (Applicant's description) Combinatorial methods for the synthesis
of new drug substances require high throughput techniques for evaluation of
structure-activity relationships. Microliter plates with immobilized target
receptors can rapidly reduce thousands of possibilities to hundreds of
candidates. The next level of screening has proven to be more difficult and
tedious. The goal of this project is the creation of an on-line screening
approach to expedite secondary screening. The new technology involves
immobilized bipolymer HPLC columns (IBCs)containing immobilized multiple
receptors. Test compounds will be injected onto the IBC and chromatographed
using standard HPLC techniques. The compounds will differentially adhere to the
IBC according to their relative affinity for the immobilized receptors, i.e.
compounds with little or no affinity to their relative affinity will wash
through the IBC while those with moderate affinities will be displaced by ones
with higher binding constants. The bipolymer-bound compounds will be
sequentially displaced using a characterized ligand and the liberated compounds
directed on-line into a mass spectrometer. Thus a large series of compounds can
be rapidly screened for their relative affinities for the immobilized receptors
with concurrent identification of molecular structures. The objective of this
project is to develop prototypic IBCs using GABA, and nicotinic receptors.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The immobilized bipolymer columns (IBC's) developed in this project represent a new
product for use in the pharmaceutical industry. A series of IBC's will be created for use
in combinatorial screens and should find a substantial market as part of a high-throughput
screen for new drug substances."
"A High-Power, Ceramic, RF Generator and Extractor",DE-FG02-01ER83217,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,100000.00,"Multi-phase Services, Inc.",2111 RiverSound Dr.,,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,Yes,No,Robert H. Tien,President,8659666878,robert_t_77014@yahoo.com,Y. T. Chou,Director of Research,8659666878,,"65349 The quest for alloys capable of extended use under severe service conditions has recently prompted interest in dual-phase Cr/TaCr2 intermetallic alloys. However, their brittleness and poor fracture toughness at ambient temperature have greatly limited their applicability. To overcome these disadvantages, this project will conduct alloy design and development using a macroalloying and microalloying approach. Phase I, will fabricate and process Cr-based Laves phase alloys. The newly developed alloys will be subjected to microstructural, oxidative, and mechanical property characterization. The feasibility of the alloying approach, and the applicability and advantages of Laves-phase-based alloys as new high-temperature structural materials will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The new alloys should have applicability to many advanced heat engines and energy-conversion systems to increase their thermal efficiency, to provide savings through increased component life, and to improve system reliability and performance."
Multivaccine delivery system with protective properties,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2001,1,120069.00,"NANODELIVERY, INC.","NANODELIVERY, INC.",1032 ELMSHADE LN,NASHVILLE,TN,37211,No,No,No,,,6157712817,,Ales Prokop,,,,"DESCRIPTION (provided by the applicant): The overall aim of this Phase I
proposal is to develop a two-phase polymeric vehicle for anthrax protective
antigen and to demonstrate a protective immunity against anthrax bacterium and
efficacy of the formulated antigen in a challenge test. The vaccination of
combat forces would improve defensive capabilities essential for minimizing the
impact of biological weapons. We will first screen polymers for antigen
delivery using a proprietary nanodelivery technology. The designed system will
include an internal polymer(s), preserving the antigen integrity and providing
the mucoadhesive properties. The antigen release kinetics will be adjusted by
several immobilization technologies and its integrity (bioavailability) tested.
Furthermore, protective immunity in mice will be characterized via mucosal and
systemic responses and the efficacy tested in a challenge test. The outcome of
this project will be a formulated antigen construct allowing us to test the
antigen efficacy with multiple antigens in Phase II and to develop this concept
further. It will then be passed on to a suitable partner (as a license) or
developed into a commercial product in house.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
A unique nature of this technology would allow expansion of this concept
for other pathogens of military significance and/or multiple antigen delivery
with broader protective properties."
A Process for On-Line Quality Control of Recycled Plastic Flake,68-D-01-036,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2001,1,70000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward Sommer, Jr",,6157346400,nrtinfo@nrt-inc.com,"Edward Sommer, Jr",,6157346400,nrtinfo@nrt-inc.com,"Generally, it is accepted that for plastics recycling to be economically viable in the long term, recycled resins must be competitive with virgin resins. To compete with virgin material, new applications must be made available for recycled resins. Such applications will require that the recycled resin be of a high purity level. Thus, many processors are requiring ever-tightening contamination limits in their recycled resin products. With these tightening contamination limits comes the need to remove contaminants from the stream that do not come from whole bottles or that get through whole-bottle detection systems. Unfortunately, automated flake sorting for the entire stream of material is too expensive for many processors. Current quality control methods require that small samples be taken manually from the stream after processing and manually analyzed in the laboratory. This requires several hours before the quality control results can be obtained - at this point, the material already has been placed in the storage area. Unacceptable contamination levels, therefore, will have contaminated entire gaylords or even a silo of material before the processor is aware of the problem. The processor then typically will blend the contaminated material with pure material, resulting in a lower quality product. The Phase I objective is to determine the feasibility of developing a rugged analytical system for online quality control that would continuously monitor a sample from the recycling process material stream to determine contamination levels in real time. When the contamination level is too high, the system would activate a diverting mechanism so that contaminated material is diverted away from the main stream of material for further processing."
Sensor Fusion for Contaminant Detection and Removal from Plastic Recycle Streams,68-D-01-065,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2001,2,225000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward Sommer, Jr",,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,Edward Edward,,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Post-consumer plastics have become a tremendous burden upon our waste disposal system. Although plastics constitute only about 9 percent by weight of municipal solid waste, they occupy approximately one-fourth the volume of the waste stream. The U.S. EPA recommends recycling of plastics as the best solution to the problem. However, contamination of plastics within the recycle stream by foreign materials is a major impediment to widespread plastics recycling. Post-consumer recyclables are of inherently low value in the marketplace and have to compete with low-cost mass- produced virgin materials. Consequently, for recycling of plastics to be economically viable, it is necessary that processing systems for recycled plastics be highly efficient and low cost. Efficient, high-speed sorting technology has been developed recently by National Recovery Technologies (NRT) to remove troublesome contaminant polymers from plastics during processing for recycling. A remaining significant problem is the presence of small metallic contaminants in the plastics stream, which cause considerable problems to the processor during the extrusion of recycled plastics in making new products. Removal of these metallic contaminants using existing technology has proven to be difficult and expensive. The Phase II research is directed toward development of an efficient, cost-effective technology for small metals detection and removal from the recycled plastics stream and for integrating this technology into a shared resources environment with NRT's FlakeSort - high speed polymer sorting technology based on the information obtained during Phase I."
Sensor Fusion for Contaminant Detection and Removal from Plastic Recycle Streams,68-D-01-065,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,"Edward Sommer, Jr",,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,Edward Edward,,6157346400,ejsommer@nrt-inc.com,"Post-consumer plastics have become a tremendous burden upon our waste disposal system. Although plastics constitute only about 9 percent by weight of municipal solid waste, they occupy approximately one-fourth the volume of the waste stream. The U.S. EPA recommends recycling of plastics as the best solution to the problem. However, contamination of plastics within the recycle stream by foreign materials is a major impediment to widespread plastics recycling. Post-consumer recyclables are of inherently low value in the marketplace and have to compete with low-cost mass- produced virgin materials. Consequently, for recycling of plastics to be economically viable, it is necessary that processing systems for recycled plastics be highly efficient and low cost. Efficient, high-speed sorting technology has been developed recently by National Recovery Technologies (NRT) to remove troublesome contaminant polymers from plastics during processing for recycling. A remaining significant problem is the presence of small metallic contaminants in the plastics stream, which cause considerable problems to the processor during the extrusion of recycled plastics in making new products. Removal of these metallic contaminants using existing technology has proven to be difficult and expensive. The Phase II research is directed toward development of an efficient, cost-effective technology for small metals detection and removal from the recycled plastics stream and for integrating this technology into a shared resources environment with NRT's FlakeSort - high speed polymer sorting technology based on the information obtained during Phase I."
N/A,0109792,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2001,1,100000.00,NEMS Logic Inc.,3208 Valley Forge Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37920,No,No,No,Ruth Ann Manning,President,8653007733,manning@cs.utk.edu,Ruth Manning,,8653007733,manning@cs.utk.edu,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test new methods to detect and distinguish similar strains of the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. Ninety-five percent of systemic infections in childhood are caused by H. influenzae strains of the serotype b. They include meningitis, sepsis, epiglottitis, pneumonia and otitis media. Bacterial meningitis and epiglottitis are life-threatening diseases with a lethality of five percent to twenty-five percent. Thus, a real-time sensor capable of detecting specific strains of H. influenzae in the parts-per-trillion range is needed. Any new detection device must be highly sensitive and selective, miniature, self-diagnostic, low cost, have rapid response time, and require no sample preparation. This Phase I project proposes such a novel point-of-care detection device for highly sensitive determination of H. influenzae and other bacteria strains. This approach builds on recent research conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory using microcantilevers as sensor platforms. The BioTELL sensor will consist of an array of microcantilevers with one surface derivatized by an antibody coating receptive to H. influenzae antigens.
The commercial applications of this project will be in the biosensor market for detection of H. influenzae and other disease causing microorganisms. The primary customers for products developed through this project are expected to include pediatricians, general practitioners and consumer households."
Photonic Crystal Scintillating Fibers,DE-FG02-01ER83224,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,98880.00,"Neutron Sciences, Inc.",1256 Lovell View Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932 0259,No,No,No,Andrew Stephan,Secretary and Treasurer,8655230775,atephan@utk.edu,Steven Wallace,President,8659666446,truassajist@aol.com,"65837 DOE neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, (SNS) will be either coming online or upgraded in the next few years. For these facilites, a need exists for neutron scintillator detectors having improvements in detection efficiency, neutron-gamma discrimination, high counting rate capability, cost, and adaptability to unusual geometries. In previous work, a volumetric detector for neutron detection has been demonstrated, based on the loading of lithium-6 in a sol-gel with fluorescent compounds, both inorganic and organic. This project will develop and characterize scintillators based upon this technology with the aim of ultimately developing detectors with gamma rejection, comparable to He-3 tubes, with fast response times. Phase I will make scintillator test elements using a variety of different activators based upon the sol-gel technology. The test elements will be characterized in terms of neutron-gamma discrimination and light output, and the best combination of sol-gel formulation and activator will be selected for continued development in Phase II. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The coupling of volumetric detection with the photomultipliers that observe scintillation pulses should significantly improve neutron cross section capture. The volumetric detectors should fine use at DOE neutron beam facilities and at others around the world."
"Ultrasonic Drawing of Advanced A15 Strand, Piece-Length Enhancement, Bonding, and Stabilizer Attachment",DE-FG02-01ER83248,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,100000.00,"Ordela, Inc.",1009 Alvin Weinberg Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830-8012,No,No,No,Daniel M. Kopp,President,8654838675,dkopp@ordela.com,Manfred K. Kopp,President,8654838675,mkopp@ordela.com,"65491 Currently available position-sensitive neutron detectors limit the full utilization of beam power and resolution capabilities of existing or proposed steady-state and pulsed neutron scattering facilities used in materials research. To remove some of these limitations, this project will develop advanced neutron detectors based on a novel pixel-cell design with miniature ionization-chambers. Sets of these pixel-cells and their pulse processing electronics will be grouped into detector modules and arranged in a common gas envelope to build neutron detectors with substantially improved characteristics and versatility. In Phase I, the characteristics of this pixel-cell design will be investigated. A detector module will be developed and tested in a high-intensity, pulsed neutron source to (1) characterize its performance; (2) demonstrate the feasibility of building a large-area detector (Â¿1mm2) with high count-rate capability (106n/s per pixel), low gamma sensitivity, and high efficiency (65% @ 9 meV); and (3) prove this new detector technology is adaptable to meet future neutron-detector development requirements. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The improved detectors should find applications in neutron-scattering facilities in the U.S. and worldwide because they enable the full utilization beam of power and resolution capability and greatly reduce operation costs. Other fields of neutron imaging (e.g., airport security and radiography) should also benefit from this research."
A Simple Target for the Production of Aqueous [18F] Fluoride Ion Using [18O] Oxygen Gas,DE-FG02-00ER83066,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,"Petnet Pharmaceuticals, Inc.",810 Innovation Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Hank Chilton,Vice President,4232182542,hank.chilton@petnetpharmaceuti,Henry C. Padgett,Laboratory Research Manager,3106701839,henry.padgett@petnetpharmaceut,"60795 Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive functional imaging technique that measures biochemical/physiological parameters using radiopharmaceuticals labeled with positron-emitting radioisotopes within the human body. The development of a reliable, high yield, and economical method for the cyclotron-produced radioisotope fluorine-18 in the form of [18F] fluoride ion would be beneficial for the growth and increased utilization of PET. This project will develop a practical and reliable method for the use of gaseous [18O] oxygen gas as the target material for aqueous [18F] fluoride ion production. This target offers two important advantages over the current liquid target method: (1) gas targets are able to withstand relatively higher beam currents than liquid targets giving higher yields, and (2) the expensive enriched oxygen-18 gas target material can be more efficiently recovered after the bombardment and received for subsequent runs. In Phase I, a prototype [18O]oxygen gas target was designed, constructed, and tested with a manually-operated target support unit (TSU) and was shown to produce aqueous [18F] fluoride ion in good yield. The TSU allows the cryogenic recovery and recycling of the enriched [18O]oxygen gas. The problem of combining elements of both a high-pressure gas target for the bombardment and a liquid target for the product delivery was solved. Phase II will design and construct a fully functional prototype high-current target and TSU that will be used for automated operations on the current generation of biomedical cyclotrons. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: New commercial suppliers and distributors of PET radiopharmaceuticals are being announced regularly as are new medical imaging devices that require these positron-emitter labeled radiotracers. The new target should result in a reliable, high-yield, economical method becoming the new standard method for the production of fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals for PET in clinical and research studies"
A Simple Target for the Production of Aqueous [18F] Fluoride Ion Using [18O] Oxygen Gas,DE-FG02-00ER83066,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,2,725000.00,"Petnet Pharmaceuticals, Inc.",810 Innovation Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Hank Chilton,Vice President,4232182542,hank.chilton@petnetpharmaceuti,Henry C. Padgett,Laboratory Research Manager,3106701839,henry.padgett@petnetpharmaceut,"60795 Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive functional imaging technique that measures biochemical/physiological parameters using radiopharmaceuticals labeled with positron-emitting radioisotopes within the human body. The development of a reliable, high yield, and economical method for the cyclotron-produced radioisotope fluorine-18 in the form of [18F] fluoride ion would be beneficial for the growth and increased utilization of PET. This project will develop a practical and reliable method for the use of gaseous [18O] oxygen gas as the target material for aqueous [18F] fluoride ion production. This target offers two important advantages over the current liquid target method: (1) gas targets are able to withstand relatively higher beam currents than liquid targets giving higher yields, and (2) the expensive enriched oxygen-18 gas target material can be more efficiently recovered after the bombardment and received for subsequent runs. In Phase I, a prototype [18O]oxygen gas target was designed, constructed, and tested with a manually-operated target support unit (TSU) and was shown to produce aqueous [18F] fluoride ion in good yield. The TSU allows the cryogenic recovery and recycling of the enriched [18O]oxygen gas. The problem of combining elements of both a high-pressure gas target for the bombardment and a liquid target for the product delivery was solved. Phase II will design and construct a fully functional prototype high-current target and TSU that will be used for automated operations on the current generation of biomedical cyclotrons. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: New commercial suppliers and distributors of PET radiopharmaceuticals are being announced regularly as are new medical imaging devices that require these positron-emitter labeled radiotracers. The new target should result in a reliable, high-yield, economical method becoming the new standard method for the production of fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals for PET in clinical and research studies"
Measurement of Residual Stresses in Difficult Locations,F09650-01-M-0955,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2001,1,99951.00,TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY CORP.,10737 Lexington Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932-0329,No,No,No,Carol Bailey,Vice President,8659665856,cbailey@tec-usa.com,Beth Matlock,Sr. Materials Engineer,8659665856,bmatlock@tec-usa.com,"Beneficial residual stress concentrations in aircraft structures and systems are altered by service loading and temperature changes, and it is necessary to identify detrimental residual stresses. Life cycle costs are high because structural integrity andsafety concerns lead to reliance on overly conservative estimates of life cycles. Some structures and systems are difficult to access, making it impossible to inspect parts and quantitatively identify those needing repair or replacement. X-raydiffraction (XRD) is a proven and accepted method for quantitatively and nondestructively measuring residual stresses in the materials of concern. However, accessing these locations requires a much smaller instrument than those currently available. TECproposes in Phase I to (1) identify the conceptual efforts and technologies required to miniaturize an XRD measurement system, (2) quantitatively micro measure residual stresses in one material of concern, and (3) target difficult locations. A conceptualprototype will be assembled for performing proof-of-concept measurements on aluminum. Successful completion of demonstration measurements will advance the design to a prototype field usuable instrument during Phase II. This miniaturized XRD system forquantitatively and nondestructively measuring residual stresses in a variety of materials has many applications in industry, government, and research.The proposed miniaturized x-ray diffraction system will be ideal for nondestructively quantifying residualstresses caused by service loading and temperature effects and for production-line inspections to monitor quality control. It can be a reliable and affordable tool for detecting faulty components in field situations and for inspecting and maintainingaircraft, land transport vehicles, ships, rails, pipelines, vessels, tanks, process systems, utility infrastructures, and many kinds of welds."
Optical Processing Employing a Novel Optical Transistor,DTRA01-01-P-0183,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2001,1,64999.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W.w. Workman,Director of Operations,8659662672,tti_100@hotmail.com,L.r. Senesac,Research Scientist,,tti_100@hotmail.com,"We propose to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of an all optical switch / transistor capable of filling multiple applications roles. As speeds in communications, sensing, and computation increase rapidly, faster and faster switching mechanisms areessential. Since optical signal processing has distinct advantages, optical switching techniques have received much attention for addressing these applications. Because of the complexity of optical switching mechanisms, often one must trade off one ormore of the five basic parameters: rejection efficiency, actuation power, cost, speed, and size. We propose a novel approach for optical switching that can optimize all five parameters simultaneously. Even though there are many other optical switchdesigns, such as electrostatically driven flip-up micro-mirrors, our approach is unique for being an all-optical device. We have observed an opto-mechanical phenomenon that could have tremendous importance in optical processing. This switching mechanismis a micro-mechanical movement induced by the optical absorption by a released single crystal waveguide material. Photons above the bandgap are absorbed in the semiconducting material, which generate electron-hole pairs. If enough electron-hole pairs arecreated and recombination is slow, the lattice parameter of the material changes, resulting in material strain. If the waveguide material is free to move (such as a severed micro-bridge), then the strain will alter the position of the waveguide material.This micro-mechanical movement can be used to rapidly switch a light beam traveling down the waveguide either as a modulator (on / off), or to redirect light coming from the end of the waveguide onto two or more different receiving channels (switch)through efficient evanescent wave coupling. This switching mechanism coupled with a micro optical amplifier would truly be analogous to an electronic transistor.Commercial employment of optical signal processing / routing has distinct advantages overconventional technology. Optical switches / transistors have received much attention recently for addressing numerous applications in optical computing, fiber optic telecommunications, and sensing. Since this is an optically actuated optical switch /transistor, ultra-high resonant frequency silicon / diamond MEMS waveguides can also be actuated. With this development we may finally realize the full advantages of photons over electrons due to the use of two-way conductors, cross conductors, ultra-highbandwidth and simultaneous multi-wavelength operation."
Nanomechanical Devices for High-Speed Low-Power Electronics,DASG60-01-P-0057,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2001,1,64999.00,"TESLA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.",P.O. Box 31378,,Knoxville,TN,37930-0793,No,No,No,W. Workman,Director of Operations,8659662672,tti_100@hotmail.com,N. Lavrik,Reaserch Scientist,8657694285,tti_100@hotmail.com,"We propose to develop a new class of semiconductor devices and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS). These new systems are based on the formation of multiple quantum wells (MQW) and multiple quantum barriers (MQB) for electron confinement. Our effortswill significantly impact the important new area of nano technology/electronics. Our unique approach will allow us to study phenomena and interactions at room temperature that currently can only be measured at cryogenic temperatures. We will producemultiple quantum barriers (for example SiO2 and SiNx) on Si microstructures to form a composite quantum barrier. These composite energy barriers, formed by coupling semiconductors through multiple thin oxide layers, allow us to actively manipulate theheight of the resulting effective energy barrier. In fact, the effective energy barrier can be modulated (raised as well as lowered) by applying an external electric field or a mechanical stress. Finally, we will use quantum point contacts to form a novelnanomechanical electron transistor in which electron transport can be actuated by simply bending the microstructure. GHz frequencies are possible in such devices under the right circumstances. Feasibility versions of both a nano-mechanical transistor anda tunable IR detector will be attempted.Applications of nanomechanical electronics are numerous, particularly when coupled with the ability to vary the electron energy within a nano/micro device. Devices such as uncooled photon detectors and singleelectron transistors that utilize photo-induced electronic stress in quantum wells and quantum barriers are also examples of the possible device architectures. This type of technology holds promise for both DOD and commercial applications once thefeasibility can be demonstrated."
Modeling and Design Tools for Heterogeneous Photonic Integrated Circuits,DE-FG02-01ER83338,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2001,1,98896.00,"Think Tank, Inc.",405 Moser Lane,,Knoxville,TN,37922-0406,No,Yes,No,Madhavan Menon,President,8659666200,menon@icx.net,Madhaven M. Menon,President,8659666200,menon@icx.net,"65128 Free surface liquid metals are being investigated as heat removal surfaces in fusion reactors. This project will develop non-invasive diagnostics to study the flow characteristics of these systems, (including film thickness distribution, velocity distribution, and fluctuations). The measurement will be non-intrusive and use frequency modulated Doppler laser radar. An infrared laser beam will be reflected off the liquid surface through a vacuum window in the fusion chamber to conduct the measurements. The free surface flow diagnostic device will be designed to operate in the fusion environment that involves high magnetic field, high temperature, vacuum, and electromagnetic interference. In Phase I, feasibility study of the concept will be carried out, taking into account the complications introduced by the fusion environment. A conceptual design of the complete diagnostic system will be developed. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The diagnostic system should be useful for the non-intrusive precision measurement of range, velocity, and surface features of all surfaces, including surfaces with low (1%) reflectivity. It also should have applicability to moving surfaces like free surface liquid metal flows as well as to stationary surfaces."
In Vivo System - Screening Anti-Inflammatory Compounds,PHS2001-2,HHS,HHS,STTR,2001,1,107000.00,TK TX COMPANY,TK TX COMPANY,"3200 WEST END AVE, STE 500",NASHVILLE,TN,37203,No,No,No,"Stecenko, arlene a",,6157831600,ARLENE.STECENKO@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU,Kenneth L. Brigham,,6153223412,KEN.BRIGHAM@MCMAIL.VANDERBILT.EDU,"DESCRIPTION (provided by the applicant): Acute inflammation is necessary for
host defense but can also cause organ injury and dysfunction. The NF-kB
transcription factor complex is critical for regulation of acute inflammation
by controlling expression of a number of key cytokines, adhesion molecules and
enzymes. We have generated transgenic mice that express Photinus luciferase
under the control of an NF-kB dependent promoter. In this proposal, we
hypothesize that our transgenic luciferase reporter mice represent a powerful
tool for non-invasive in vivo measurements of NF-kB dependent inflammatory
responses and that these animals can be used as a tool for high-throughput
screening of anti-inflammatory compounds. We propose 2 specific aims: 1) to
optimize repetitive, non-invasive measurement of NF-kB activation using intact
transgenic luciferase reporter mice, and 2) to validate the utility of this
system for screening NF-kB inhibitors using a mouse model of bacterial
lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation. Currently available methodologies
for screening anti-inflammatory compounds involve initial in vitro studies
followed by studies involving large numbers of animals. Our methodology
represents a marked improvement in this process by using each mouse as its own
control and allowing multiple measurements overtime. These improvements should
allow initial testing in mice, thus simplifying and accelerating the process of
anti-inflammatory drug development.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
Identification of new agents with potential as anti-inflammatory therapeutics requires
screening in animal models, but current models are labor intensive and inefficiect as
screening tools. Since activation of NF-kB is common to pathogenesis of a host
of diseases characterized by neutrophilic inflammation, an in vivo method for rapid
determination of NF-kB would be a valuable screening tool. We propose to refine a
mouse model in which non-invasive, serial, quantitative, organ specific measurements
of NF-kB activation can be made. The model would be highly valuable to pharmaceutical
companies and other developing anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents as a high throughput
screening tool for identifying potentially efficacious agents and defining anti-inflammatory
pharmacockinetics."
"Reliability Prediction Model for Large, Reusable Propellant Tanks",,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2001,1,70000.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6152219047,robust@persystek.com,Robert Tryon,Sr. Development Engineer,6152219047,rtryon@vextec.com,"NASA has defined goals for development of future reusable launch vehicles (RLV). Systems must be reliable with less than 1 flight failure in 10,000 missions with mission cost of 1000 dollars per pound per payload (or less). X-33 propellant tank incidents indicate need for improving state-of-the-art design and/or manufacture of composite storage tanks. Bond integrity has been an issue during development of X-33 prototype tanks and the associated reliability issues could become even more of a concern during fabrication of full-scale RLV tanks. This project will assess the variability influencing factors associated with manufacture of composite sandwich bonds and evaluate the feasibility for development of a prediction tool for assessing manufacturing bond reliability for full-scale configurations. The proposed research will develop a probabilistic analysis framework incorporating composite sandwich design methodologies to predict the reliability of the bonds between the face sheet and the core. Models will be developed that relate overall stress, strain, loading and displacement to bond strength integrity. These models will account for such microstructural parameters as adhesive strength, bondline thickness, and face sheet core interaction."
Probabilistic Micromechanical High Cycle Fatigue Modeling of Titanium Propulsion Structures,F33615-01-C-5228,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2001,1,0.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"This effort will develop probabilistic micromechanical fatigue life modeling software . The model will integrate material characterization information with turbine engine structural design methods in order to predict the scatter in the fatigue strength ofa component subjected to high cycle fatigue (HCF). Proven feasible in Phase I, the Phase II will extend our analysis from a simple specimen to include FOD, LCF/HCF interaction, and surface treatment. Ti-6Al-4v and Ti-17 materials will be evaluated from a"
Probabilistic Micromechanical High Cycle Fatigue Modeling of Titanium Propulsion Structures,F33615-01-C-5228,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2001,2,745764.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Senior Development Engine,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"This effort will develop probabilistic micromechanical fatigue life modeling software . The model will integrate material characterization information with turbine engine structural design methods in order to predict the scatter in the fatigue strength ofa component subjected to high cycle fatigue (HCF). Proven feasible in Phase I, the Phase II will extend our analysis from a simple specimen to include FOD, LCF/HCF interaction, and surface treatment. Ti-6Al-4v and Ti-17 materials will be evaluated from a"
"On-board, Prognostic Micro-Structural Reliability Tool for Mechanical Systems",DAAH0101CR127,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2001,1,99000.00,VEXTEC CORPORATION,5123 VIRGINIA WAY C21,,BRENTWOOD,TN,37027-7519,No,No,No,Loren Nasser,Vice President,6153720299,lnasser@vextec.com,Robert Tryon,Development Engineer,6153720299,rtryon@vextec.com,"Technology for extending the life of fielded systems offers the potential for signification savings in total ownership costs. Through on-board monitoring and analysis, our technology will instill increased confidence in prediction of fatigue or remaininguseful life. This, in turn, offers the potential to reduce premature part retirement and thus shifting part replacement costs to the out-years. Advancement in prognostics and health management is a significant thrust within the JSF engine developmentprogram. This proposal exactly corresponds with the JSF key technology maturation program for prognostics & health management whose stated goal is on reducing maintenance manpower.However, the current state-of-the-art does not take advantage of the developed or newly developing microstructural material modeling capabilities that allow for prediction of crack initiation and growth resulting in pending component failure. The Phase Iproject will demonstrate the feasibility for using sensed data to generate, on-board, mechanical systems reliability prediction based on analysis of microstructural based probabilistic modeling techniques. Upon demonstrating feasibility, Phase II willfurther develop the technology and apply this on-board prognostics technology on an actual engine component. This technology will serve to provide real-time or near real-time insight into how material microstructure level changes effect the overallreliability of a mechanical system. Using our product, aerospace or maintenance engineers will know what systems must be identified for upgrade and/or replacement. On the other hand, DoD will benefit from the fact that some replacements or repairs may bedelayed, thus effectively extending the lives of some mechanical systems.The technology proposed herein offers the potential to reduce the total ownership cost for the emerging JSF family of aircraft. Eventually this prognostic technology will be installed on aircraft systems and allow for on-board reliability prediction."
Development of Value-Added Coproducts for Biofuels,2001-33610-10441,USDA,USDA,SBIR,2001,1,69973.00,White Cliff Biosystems Co.,107 Lake Meadow Drive,,Johnson City,TN,37615,No,No,No,Jonathan Mielenz,President and Chief Scientific Officer,4232466199,jmielenz92@aol.com,Jonathan Mielenz,,4232466199,jmielenz92@aol.com,"With the U.S. importing over 55% of its petroleum, largely for transportation, the domestic ethanol industry has been growing to help eliminate this trade burden and long-term economic liability. But current capacity of nearly 2 billion gallons accounts for less than 2% of this country's needs and growth has been limited due to costs compared to gasoline. Fortunately an opportunity to expand the ethanol industry exists using the remainder of the corn plant, called corn stover, as a fermentation feedstock for ethanol. Since less than 10% of the corn crop goes into ethanol, there is an ample supply of corn stover. Technoeconomic estimates of producing ethanol form biomass like corn stover find it competitive with corn ethanol. Still efficient production of fermentation products from the multiple biomass sugars is a technical challenge. Fortunately, a microorganism has been found and developed that can produce value- added fine chemical coproducts on these biomass sugars. The Phase I effort will demonstrate fine chemical production on corn stover-like sugar mixtures, and on authentic corn stover feedstock. Additionally, using the same fermentation microorganism, initial steps will be taken to develop it to produce a different fine chemical product, which has a large market."
N/A,F08630-99-C-0096,DOD,USAF,STTR,2000,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,James C. Neidhoefer,,4238944646,,Robert M. Pap,,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,NAS8 00137,NASA,NASA,STTR,2000,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,N/A
N/A,N00014-00-M-0214,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2000,1,25000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,James C. Neidhoefer,,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,DAAH0100CR152,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2000,1,99000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Carl Lewis,Principal Investigator,4238944646,clewis@accurate-automation.com,N/A
N/A,9983287,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Richard Saeks,,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,9983287,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2000,2,399999.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,,4238944646,rmpap@accurate-automation.com,Richard Saeks,,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,NAS8 00075,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2000,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,marketing@accurate-automation.com,"Richard E. Saeks, Ph.D.",Principal Investigator,,rsaeks@accurate-automation.com,N/A
N/A,N00014-99-C-0185,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,"Richard E. Saeks, PhD",,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,N00014-99-C-0185,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2000,2,250000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,"Richard E. Saeks, PhD",,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,NAS2 00008,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,marketing@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick J. Cox,Principal Investigator,,ccox@accurate-automation.com,N/A
N/A,NAS2 00008,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2000,2,597100.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,marketing@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick J. Cox,Principal Investigator,,ccox@accurate-automation.com,N/A
N/A,N00039-01-C-2206,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,R. Akita /a. maren,,4238944646,,"Not Available Thin-film mirrors with inflatable support structures that incorporate piezoelectric materials for active control will be developed, evaluated, and integrated to provide increased precision in large deployable space systems. This structural shape control"
N/A,N00039-01-C-2206,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2000,2,589117.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,R. Akita /a. maren,,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,,DOE,DOE,STTR,2000,1,100000.00,"American Magnetics, Inc.",112 Flint Road,P.O. Box 2509,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0250,No,No,No,,,,,Dr. Kenneth R. Efferson,Principal Investigator,,,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER82946,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,97474.00,"Apocom, Inc.",11020 Solway School Road,Suite 101,Knoxville,TN,37922,No,No,No,Robin D. Zimmer,President,8659276120,robzimmer@apocom.com,Robin D. Zimmer,President,8659276120,robzimmer@apocom.com,N/A
N/A,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2000,1,102430.00,Atmospheric Glow Technologies,924 Corridor Park Blvd.,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,8659740286,KWINTENB@ATMOSPHERICGLOW.COM,Kimberly K. Kellywintenberg,,,,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER82960,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,98455.00,"Bioneutrics, Inc.",9821 Cogdill Road,Suite 1,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Larry Tummel,Chief Operating Officer,8656755627,larryt@bioneutrics.com,George Dilworth,President,8656755627,georged@bioneutrics.com,N/A
Probabilistic Micromechanical Fatigue Model for Intermetallics,F33615-00-C-5209,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2000,2,743461.00,BRENTWOOD TECHNOLOGIES CORP.,5123 Virginia Way Suite C-21,,Brentwood,TN,37027,No,No,No,,,,,Robert Tryon,,6152219047,,N/A
N/A,F33615-00-C-2024,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2000,1,98065.00,BRENTWOOD TECHNOLOGIES CORP.,5123 Virginia Way Suite C-21,,Brentwood,TN,37027,No,No,No,Animesh Dey,Vice President,6152219047,adey@brentec.com,Robert G. Tryon,Vice President,6152219047,rtryon@brentec.com,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-99ER82772,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,"Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.",450 Bacon Springs Lane,,Clinton,TN,37716,No,No,No,Christopher A. Foster,President,8654355433,cafoster@usit.net,Christopher A. Foster,President,8654355433,cafoster@usit.net,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-99ER82772,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,2,749812.00,"Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.",450 Bacon Springs Lane,,Clinton,TN,37716,No,No,No,Christopher A. Foster,President,8654355433,cafoster@usit.net,Christopher A. Foster,President,8654355433,cafoster@usit.net,N/A
N/A,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,,,8654829551,MCOFFEY@CRYOMAGNETIS.COM,Weijun Shen,,,,N/A
N/A,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2000,2,152260.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,,,8654829551,MCOFFEY@CRYOMAGNETIS.COM,Weijun Shen,,,,N/A
N/A,F33615-00-C-2057,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2000,1,65000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Managing Partner,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Managing Partner,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,N/A
N/A,DASG60-00-M-0056,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2000,1,65000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Managing Partner,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Managing Partner,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,N/A
N/A,F08630-00-C-0050,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Managing Partner,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey S.N. Paine,Managing Partner,6155956665,dsm@dynamic-structures.com,N/A
N/A,9961132,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffery Paine,Chief Manager,6155956665,jpaine@dynamic-structures.com,Jeffrey Paine,,6155956665,,N/A
N/A,,NSF,NSF,STTR,2000,1,0.00,Environment Engineering Group,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,37931 0205,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,N/A
N/A,DAAH0100CR223,DOD,DARPA,STTR,2000,1,0.00,"ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING GROUP, INC.","11020 Solway School Rd, Suite 109",,Knoxville,TN,37931,Yes,No,No,Irene Datskou,,8659273717,,Irene Datskou,,8659273717,,N/A
MGD/MHD Inlet Flow Control for Advanced Hypersonic Vehicles,F33615-00-C-3006,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2000,2,937500.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,,,,,,,9314559915,,N/A
N/A,F33615-00-C-2046,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,John T. Lineberry,President,9313934500,JLBERRY@EDGE.NET,John T. Lineberry,President,9313934500,JLBERRY@EDGE.NET,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-99ER82794,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,Genome Informatics Corporation,1020 Commerce Park Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Ed Uberbacher,President,4232200043,,Doug Hyatt,Senior Engineer,4232200043,,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-99ER82794,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,2,600000.00,Genome Informatics Corporation,1020 Commerce Park Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,Ed Uberbacher,President,4232200043,,Doug Hyatt,Senior Engineer,4232200043,,N/A
N/A,9960017,NSF,NSF,SBIR,2000,1,99755.00,INRAD,11020 Solway School Road,,Knoxville,TN,-,No,No,No,Warren Ruderman,Chief Technology Officer,2017671910,wruderman@inrad.com,Ilya Zwieback,,2017671910,,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER83024,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,John Walter,President,8654831394,intraspc@icx.net,John Walter,President,8654831394,intraspc@icx.net,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-99ER82807,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,John Walter,President,4234831859,intraspc@icx.net,John Walter,Technical Director,4234831859,intraspc@icx.net,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-99ER82807,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,2,750000.00,IntraSpec Inc,POB 4579,,Oak Ridge,TN,37831 0457,No,No,No,John Walter,President,4234831859,intraspc@icx.net,John Walter,Technical Director,4234831859,intraspc@icx.net,N/A
N/A,NAS8 00068,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2000,1,69762.00,"KEMP, Inc.",1725 East Magnolia Avenue,,Knoxville,TN,37917 0782,No,No,No,F. Burnett,President,4235253372,geraldlevert@mindspring.com,F.e. Levert,Director of Engineering,,geraldlevert@mindspring.com,N/A
N/A,NAS5 00018,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,Andrew B. White,Presidnet,4235738188,microbe@microbe.com,Stephanie L. Whitaker,Research Associate,,LWhit16066@aol.com,N/A
N/A,NAS5 00018,NASA,NASA,SBIR,2000,2,436299.00,MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC,2340 STOCK CREEK BLVD,,ROCKFORD,TN,37853-3304,No,No,No,Andrew B. White,Presidnet,4235738188,microbe@microbe.com,Stephanie L. Whitaker,Research Associate,,LWhit16066@aol.com,N/A
N/A,DAAE07-00-C-L012,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2000,1,119174.00,MICRON CORP.,158 Orchard Ln,,Winchester,TN,37398,No,No,No,,,,,Dieter Nowak,,9319679859,,N/A
N/A,68D99061,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2000,1,0.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,6157346400,,"Dr. Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",,,,N/A
N/A,68D99061,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2000,2,295000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,6157346400,,"Dr. Edward J. Sommer, Jr.",,,,N/A
N/A,68D00254,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2000,1,70000.00,National Recovery Technologies LLC,1508 Elm Hill Pike,Suite 102,Nashville,TN,37210-3636,No,No,Yes,,,6157346400,,Dr. Edward J. Sommer Jr,,,,"Not Available This Project describes the concept and associated R&D required to develop an on-board satellite crossconnect system capable of simultaneously switching 16 uplink ports to 16 downlink ports, at 18 Gb/s per port, for next generation Advanced Communications"
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER83060,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,"Nuclear Safeguards and Security Systems, Llc","11020 Solway School Road,",Suite #102,Knoxville,TN,37931-0205,No,No,No,Richard S. Seymour,President,8659451223,RSEYMOUR@NUCSAFE.COM,Carter D. Hull,Vice President,8659451223,chull@nucsafe.com,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER83066,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,"Petnet Pharmaceuticals, Inc.",810 Innovation Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Hank Chilton,Vice President,4232182542,Hank.Chilton@Petnetpharmaceui,Henry C. Padgett,Laboratory Research Manager,4232182561,Henry.Padgett@Petnetpharmaceu,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER83067,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,"Petnet Pharmaceuticals, Inc.",810 Innovation Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37932,No,No,No,Hank Chilton,Vice President,4232182542,Hank.Chilton@Petnetpharmaceut,Henry C. Padgett,Laboratory Research Manager,4232182561,Henry.Padgett@petnetpharmaceut,N/A
N/A,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,2000,1,124251.00,"SCI-TEC, INC.",10425 COGDILL RD.,#300,KNOXVILLE,TN,-,No,No,No,,,8655606375,SLCHEN@SCIEN-TEC.COM,Val V. Golovlev,,,,N/A
N/A,DE-FG02-00ER83124,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2000,1,100000.00,White Cliff Biosystems Co.,107 Lake Meadow Drive,,Johnson City,TN,37615,No,No,No,Jonathan Mielenz,Chief Scientific Officer,4232466199,jmielenz92@aol.com,Jonathan Mielenz,Chief Scientific Officer,4232466199,jmielenz92@aol.com,N/A
N/A,DASG60-00-M-0093,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2000,1,64922.00,"THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.","P.O. Box 1936, 499 Mount Herman Road",,Shelbyville,TN,37162,No,No,No,Donna Moody,,9316801295,hdmoody@prodigy.net,Henry Moody,,9316801295,hdmoody@prodigy.net,N/A
Advanced Projectile Targeting Method,N991-3983,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,1999,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,Robert Pap,,4238944646,,N/A
Advanced Low-Cost Turbojet Engine,N992-5119,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,1999,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,Christopher Gibson,,4238944646,,"Not Available A program is presented for developing ceramic materials for operation at 3700-4900 F (2038-2704 C) with non-aluminized propellants and at 4900-6200 F (2704-3427 C) with aluminized propellants. At the lower temperature range the promising HfBx-HfCy-SiC-XX compositions will be evaluated where XX are rare earth borides such as YB2. These alloys (without XX) exhibited very good performance in arc jet (low pressure) evaluation and must now be evaluated in a rocket engine environment (high pressure). At the higher temperature range, TaC will be evaluated along with HfC for comparison. No data is available on TaC in this particular temperature range and pressure."
Advanced Nonlinear Adaptive Controllers for Fault Tolerant Satellite Trajectory Control,99NM-280,DOD,USAF,SBIR,1999,1,99926.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,James Neidhoefer,,4238944646,,N/A
N/A,,NASA,NASA,SBIR,1999,2,600000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,N/A
Knowledge Modeling and Computational Intelligence,9860370,NSF,NSF,SBIR,1999,1,100000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,Richard Saeks,,,,N/A
A Learning Algorithm for Multi-Ship Flight Path Management,NAS2 99014,NASA,NASA,SBIR,1999,1,70000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,Robert M. Pap,President,4238944646,marketing@accurate-automation.com,Chadwick J. Cox,Principal Investigator,,ccox@accurate-automation.com,N/A
Knowledge Modeling and Computational Intelligence,,NSF,NSF,STTR,1999,1,100000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,Richard Saeks,,,,N/A
Flight Video Recording and Transmission System,DTRS57-00-C-10012,DOT,DOT,SBIR,1999,1,100000.00,Accurate Automation Corporation,7001 Shallowford Road,,Chattanooga,TN,37421-1716,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,"Not Available A program to demonstrate the feasibility of a single multi-hyperspectral infrared sensor capable of both missile threat warning and subpixel ground target detection is proposed. The effort will first identify candidate spectral bands/subbands for both missile threat warning and subpixel ground target detection applications. From these results, clutter rejection and subpixel target detection algorithms shall be defined. The best candidate algorithms will be further developed to enhance their performance for use as embedded algorithms in SOC's real-time hyperspectral imaging and multispectral data processor. Based upon the warning and reconnaissance sensor requirements, SOC will conduct a preliminary design of the Threat Warning and Reconnaissance Sensor (TWARS) which will include a common TWARS sensor or sensor modules plus the real-time HIS/multispectral data processor. The processor to be delivered as a Phase I option effort is a currently available real-time HIS processor developed by Surface Optics Corporation over the last seven years. The 1/3 Gbyte /sec throughput rate of the processor will easily support three spectral imaging sensor modules and can be readily expanded to process additional HIS/multispectral sensors at increased data rates. By building on Spectral Sciences, Inc. and Analytical imaging and Geoophysics decades of experience in spectra bands / subbands selection and algorithms development, and SOC's seven years experience in instrument and algorithm development in the HIS field, the proposed program will produce a new TWARS system of unsurpassed capability, with varied military and commercial applications."
Automatic Generation of Bump Map Textures,N982-1004,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,1999,1,69968.00,3D CONSTRUCTION CO.,122 Creative Station,,Elizabethton,TN,37643,Yes,No,No,,,,,Patrick Rourke,,4235438917,,"Not Available Triton Systems proposes to combine environmentally-friendly natural biodegradable precursor materials with its innovative nanotechnology to develop environmentally-safe gun plugs for 5 /54 caliber (and other) propelling charges that can be safely disposed in marine environments in accord with the MARPOL treaty. Our innovative approach will produce Naval gun plugs that not only (i) successfully seal the gun barrel from the marine environment, and (ii) provide the required buffer for packing the projectile with propelling charge in the gun mount, but are also biodegradable. Our innovative strategy will therefore enhance the biodegradability and will also ensure that the gun plugs meets all the other property specifications. In Phase I, Triton will prepare ES-polyurethanes, optimize the performance level with respect to Naval Sea Systems Command Specifications, and produce prototype gun plugs. In the Phase II Program, we will optimize the ES-polyurethane formulation, and scale up to make full size gun plugs for the 5 barrel. Extensive mechanical and environmental testing will be performed on these prototypes. In Phase III, Triton will team with a Naval polyurethane supply house for the preparation of prototype gun plugs for field testing."
N/A,,DOE,DOE,SBIR,1999,2,560566.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,Dr. Tom J. Whitaker,President,4234831113,,Dr Tom J Whitaker,President,4234831113,,N/A
DNA Diagnostics Using Electrical Detection,,DOE,DOE,SBIR,1999,1,99865.00,"ATOM SCIENCES, INC.","ATOM SCIENCES, INC.",114 RIDGEWAY CTR,OAK RIDGE,TN,37830 8810,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,"Not Available The proposed research seeks to develop new constant force brush holders incorporating pseudoelastic alloys for use with advanced metal foil and fiber brushes. The new brush holders satisfy requirements relevant to brush pressure and wear movements; they are also compact, resistant to prevalent operating temperatures and lateral forces, and capable of minimizing electrical losses while transferring high current densities. Incorporaition of pseudoelastic springs is the distinguishing feature of the new holder design. Pseudoelastic alloys can be strained orders of magnitude more than normal spring materials without being plastically deformed; the stress level associated with these large pseudoelastic strains is practically constant. The proposed Phase I research will: (1) select geometric configuraitons, compatible pseudoelastic alloys and detailed deisgns for satisfying the targeted requirements in different circumstances; and (2) manufacture pseudoelastic-based mechanical holders, and verify their performance through simulated laboratory tests. The Phase I Option would quantify the competitive technical and cost advantages of the new brush holders. The proposing group includes a leading manufacturer of brush holders and a major supplier of pseudoelastic alloys."
NOVEL TARGETS FOR LARGE SCALE F18 PRODUCTION,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,1999,1,100001.00,"CTI SERVICES, INC.",810 INNOVATION DR,,KNOXVILLE,TN,37932,No,No,No,,,4239667539,JOE.MATTEO@CTI-PET.COM,Charles W. Alvord,,,,"Not Available The proposed effort focuses on the need for enhanced analytical modeling approaches to characterize and understand fatigue crack initiation and growth in gas turbine engine intermetallics. It is recognized that the design of components subjected to fatigue cannot be based on average material behavior but that designs must consider -3o or some other appropriate extreme value material properties. Thus, a life prediction capability useful in a design application must address the scatter inherent in material response to fatigue. The proposed effort will address the scatter in fatigue of gamma titanium aluminide by investigating the microstructural variables responsible for the scatter and developing analytical and semi-analytical models to quantitatively relate the variables to the response. The model is general and will consider the entire range of damage accumulation sequences; from crack nucleation of the initially unflawed structure to final fast fracture. However, the model will also allow failure to be defined as any subset of damage accumulation i.e., crack initiation life to a particular crack size or the number of cycles to grow a crack from a particular size to final fracture. The models will allow the structural engineer to systematically and quantitatively assess the influence of the material uncertainties on the overall reliability of the structure."
An Advanced Cold Moderator Using Solid Methane Pellets,,DOE,DOE,SBIR,1999,1,99978.00,"Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.",450 Bacon Springs Lane,,Clinton,TN,37716,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,"Not Available AEPTEC proposes to provide a COMMON TACTICAL 3D PICTURE to all surface combatants operating in a battle group, by implementing advanced connectivity technologies that will support the sharing of a 3D tactical picture. AEPTEC has teamed with Lockheed Martin, and Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) to offer a high bandwidth connectivity solution that will enable every ship's CIC to share a COMMON TACTICAL 3D PICTURE of the battlefield. We will further develop our revolutionary Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio which uses water as a wave guide and is currently being used by Special Forces to send T1 packets of data and imagery up to 20 miles over water. We plan to upgrade this technology to offer T1 connectivity for up to 60 miles over salt water to allow ships in a battle group to send each other the COMMON TACTICAL 3D PICTURE in a real time, secure and low-cost manner that independent of satellites. We will also research the feasibility of 1) developing a low-cost flat antenna kit which could enable a ship's fire control antenna to receive T1 bandwidth connectivity, and 2) of utilizing low-cost kites to expand a ship's connectivity range."
CRYO FREE 47T ACTIVE SHIELDED ICR SPECTROMETER MAGNET,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,1999,1,86000.00,"CRYOMAGNETICS, INC.",1006 Alvin Weinberg Dr.,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,,,8654829551,MCOFFEY@CRYOMAGNETIS.COM,Weijun Shen,,,,"Not Available This Phase I SBIR program will define and architect a Bandwidth-Efficient, Low-Latency, Scalable Turbo Architecture (BELLSTAR) for detailed FPGA design and implementation during a Phase II SBIR development. The design will focus on a flexible, modular architecture that can be used as both a developmental tool and as a stepping stone toward new generations of high density, low-cost turbo encoder/decoder chips with an appropriate mix of capabilities. As a development tool, the BELLSTAR will provide an open architecture for the analysis, test, and demonstration of the very high coding gains achievable at relatively low latencies for the appropriate data rates and modulation types. Follow-on developments will allow the appropriate mixture of open-architecture components to be reduced using MCM, ASIC, and other novel packaging technologies to produce small, high-density, low-cost turbo codecs for both the military and commercial marketplace. BENEFITS: Potential applications of the architecture, techniques, and components developed on this project include: satellite communications, wireless communications, cable modems, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems, voice-band modems, and most digital data communication applications that can tolerate latency in return for high coding gains. The developmental test-bed can be used as laboratory test equipment for new techniques in more advanced turbo-coding products and applications."
Dissipative Acoustic Arrays for Interior Noise Control in Payload Fairings,99NM-381,DOD,USAF,SBIR,1999,1,100000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jeffrey N Paine,,6155956665,,N/A
Portable Composite Structure / Missile Evaluation System,99-497,DOD,MDA,SBIR,1999,1,65000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jeffrey SN Paine,,6155956665,,N/A
Portable High Efficiency Power Source for Missile Technology,99-498,DOD,MDA,SBIR,1999,1,65000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Jeffrey SN Paine,,6155956665,,N/A
A Novel Magnetic Field Sensor,99-503,DOD,MDA,SBIR,1999,1,65000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Clayton Carter,,6155956665,,N/A
N/A,,DOD,OSD,SBIR,1999,2,616000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,,,,,Dr Jeffrey S N Paine,,6152927022,,N/A
Piezoelectric Step and Repeat Hydraulic Motor,,DOD,DARPA,STTR,1999,1,99000.00,"Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC","114 S.E. Parkway Ct., Suite 160",,Franklin,TN,-,No,No,No,Jeffrey S. Paine,,6155956665,,Jeffrey S Paine,,6155956665,,N/A
N/A,,DOD,USAF,SBIR,1999,2,749823.00,"ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING GROUP, INC.","11020 Solway School Rd, Suite 109",,Knoxville,TN,37931,Yes,No,No,,,,,Mr James G Carter,,4239273717,,N/A
MGD/MHD Inlet Flow Control for Advanced Hypersonic Vehicles,99VA-097,DOD,USAF,SBIR,1999,1,100000.00,LYTEC LLC,"1940 ELK RIVER DAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 1581",,TULLAHOMA,TN,37388 0158,No,No,No,,,,,,,9314559915,,N/A
N/A,,HHS,HHS,SBIR,1999,2,637582.00,"FEO MEDICAL, INC.",1025 CROSSWINDS COVE,,COLLIERVILLE,TN,38017,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,N/A
Commercialization of the GRAIL EXP Gene Discovery System,,DOE,DOE,SBIR,1999,1,99925.00,Genome Informatics Corporation,1020 Commerce Park Drive,,Oak Ridge,TN,37830,No,No,No,,,,,,,,,"Not Available The towed arrays used by the U.S. Navy have no equal in acoustic performance. They are longer, have smaller diameters, can be towed faster, and have higher break point speeds than arrays towed by the rest of the world's Navies. But these superlatives are of no use if the array is unreliable and not working when needed. The proposed Phase I effort will evaluate five areas of known system design weaknesses, and develop innovative solutions that will